![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ornellaia-Poggio-Alle-Gazze-dellOrnellaia-e1524065471760.png)
Ornellaia
Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2017
Toscana Bianco IGT
Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia is one of Italy’s most innovative and progressive white wines, providing an altogether different experience of the Ornellaia estate and its Mediterranean influences.
Winemaking
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ornellaia-1.jpg )
The clusters were hand-picked into small 15 kg boxes in the early morning hours and immediately chilled on arrival at the cellar in order to fully preserve their aromatic compounds. After a meticulous quality selection, the whole clusters were given a very slow, gradual pressing, while great care was exercised to prevent oxidation of the fruit. After gravity settling of some 12 hours, the separate lots of must were put to barriques, 25% of which new and 25% used, in steel tanks, and in concrete and oak vats (50%). Fermentation temperatures did not exceed 22°C, and the wine did not go through malolactic fermentation. The wine matured on the fine lees for 6 months, with regular bâtonnage throughout the period, followed by the assemblage of the final blend. After a light fining, it rested an additional 12 months in the bottle before release.
Vintage
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ornellaia-Entrance.jpg )
The year 2017 will remain in history as one of the hottest and driest. The forewarning had been a particularly mild winter with temperatures three degrees above the seasonal average, with normal rainfall. As a result, budbreak occurred almost two weeks earlier than usual. The vegetative cycle of the vineyards was accompanied by warm weather with little rainfall already as early as March, briefly interrupted by a sudden drop in temperatures at the end of April, which saw frosts in many areas of Tuscany. On the coast, thanks to the proximity of the sea, temperatures remained above zero, without creating any damage to the growing shoots. The heat and drought soon returned in May, limiting vegetative growth and bunch size, even though flowering had taken place in excellent conditions. July and August saw almost no rain and warm weather, fortunately cooled down by night-time temperatures. Given the climatic conditions and a low number of grapes, ripening occurred quickly, obliging us to carry out the earliest harvest in the history of Ornellaia, with the first bunches of Sauvignon picked on 7 August and ending with Vermentino and Verdicchio on 30 August.
Tasting Note
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PEOPLE-IN-THE-VINEYARDS-Ornellaia.jpg )
“The 2017 vintage was affected by heat and drought, but the early harvesting of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier grapes before mid-August and Vermentino grapes before the end of the month, has allowed us to preserve the acidity and aromatic components of the white grapes, resulting in wines of great freshness and depth. Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2017 has a bright straw yellow color, the nose carries outstanding citrus notes accompanied by hints of white flowers and boxwood. On the palate, it shows an excellent balance between freshness and persistence, closing in a long, lively and mineral finish.”
– WINEMAKER OLGA FUSARI
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
Appellation
Toscana Bianco IGT
Alcohol
13.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$82
Reviews
"Full-bodied and intense, but percise"
James Suckling - July 24, 2020 "Honeysuckle, dried jasmine, daffodils, apricot pie and peach flan with some butterscotch undertones. Full-bodied and intense, but very precise in its delivery of sleek stone fruit and steely acidity."
"Impeccably balanced, refreshing"
Vinous - April 22, 2020 “The 2017 Poggio alle Gazze brings together the natural richness of the year with the lift of Sauvignon Blanc. Orchard fruit, lime, mint and white flowers add brightness to this impeccably balanced, refreshing white from Tenuta dell' Ornellaia. The blend is 81% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Vermentino, 6% Viogner and 3% Verdicchio. Drink it over the next few years."
"Expressive and lively"
Wine Spectator - September 20, 2019 "This expressive white exudes peach, gooseberry, sage and white pepper flavors, backed by lively acidity and finishing with a saline accent. Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier and Verdicchio."
More on Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2017
Top 100 Italian White Wines for the Summer
July 22, 2019 - As part of his extensive program of content on Italian wines, James Suckling rounds his top 100 Italian white wines to enjoy this summer. The list proudly boasts several wine…
The Best Tuscan Wines You’ve Never Heard Of
July 22, 2019 - Food & Wine contributor Brian Freedman's latest story highlights 11 Tuscan wines worth discovering that aren't Super Tuscans or Chianti, including Ornellaia 2017 Poggio Alle Gazze. Of the wine, he…
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Ornus-1.png)
Ornus dell'Ornellaia
Toscana Bianco IGT
Ornus dell’Ornellaia is a late harvest Petit Manseng produced in extremely limited quantities and gives yet another dimension to the Estate. In certain vintages conditions are perfect in the tiny “Palmetta” vineyard for the production of this exclusive dessert wine. The name Ornus dell’Ornellaia takes its inspiration from ‘Fraxinus Ornus’, the Latin name for the Manna or Flowering Ash (in Italian, Orniello), the tree which has given its name to the Ornellaia. The “Manna Ash” Orniello or ‘Fraxinus Ornus’ is a tree which is typical to the Mediterranean coastal area. Its precious sap has been used since Biblical times as a sweetener and acts as a perfect link to the sweetness of Ornus dell’Ornellaia.
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/05500300NV.png)
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
Toscana IGT
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines a Mediterranean expression of generosity with structure and complexity, reflecting the philosophy of Ornellaia. It represents the first step into the Ornellaia family, and is an ideal wine for everyday enjoyment.
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ornellaia-Le-Serre-Nuove-dellOrnellaia-e1524065485564.png)
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia
Bolgheri DOC Rosso
Coming primarily from the Ornellaia's younger vineyard sites and made with the same passion and attention to detail as the estate's flagship wine, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia combines generosity and depth of flavor with an engaging and vibrant personality.
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/05500500NV.png)
Ornellaia Bianco
IGT Toscana
Ornellaia Bianco is Italy's most ambitious white wine. It is a result of the Estate’s desire to translate the exceptional properties of its terroir not only into red wines, but also into this magnificent white.
![](https://vintus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/05500100NV-1.png)
Ornellaia
Bolgheri DOC Superiore
Ornellaia is the estate's "Grand Vin", with exceptional balance, power, elegance, and great aging potential. It faithfully reflects, in every vintage, its nature, site, and distinctive Mediterranean personality.