Ornellaia

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2016

Toscana IGT

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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. 

Winemaking

67% Merlot
20% Cabernet Sauvignon
13% Sangiovese

The different varieties were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics intact. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barrique used for Ornellaia and partly in cement tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.

Vintage

As what seems to be becoming increasingly the norm, the winter of 2016 was characterized by abnormally warm weather with heavy rainfall in February. Budbreak took place on time in the last week of March. The abundance of water in the soil and the warm weather in April led to quick and normal vegetative vine growth.
Towards May temperatures returned to normal, slowing the growth down slightly, bringing about the flowering which took place in the last week of May with dry sunny weather, perfect for a good fruit-set. The summer was average with very little rain, favoring a notable water stress towards the end of the ripening stage.
The usual August storms were also absent, maintaining a state of hydric stress through the first part of the harvest, but luckily with temperatures that significantly cooled off at night, allowing the vines to recover from the daytime temperatures. Ripening went on steadily building up excellent phenolic potential and a balanced sugar/acidity ratio.
Harvest started early on the 24th August with young vine Merlot. By mid- September a few rain showers arrived, that allowed to complete harvest under virtually perfect conditions, sunny, but moderately warm, and enough water in the soil to prevent the vines from shutting down. Harvest was concluded on the 12th of October with the later ripening varieties.

Tasting Note

Few vintages have expressed all the virtues of the Tuscan coast’s climate as eloquently as 2016. An almost perfect combination of sunshine, warm summer days and cool nights, with just about enough rain to slow down the vine’s growth without making them suffer from drought have led to one of the purest expressions of Le Volte dell’Ornellaia, combining perfectly ripe yet vibrant fruit with a silky and generous texture underlined by a fresh and lively acidity.
– WINEMAKER AXEL HEINZ

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese

Appellation

Toscana IGT

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$34.00

Reviews

"Radiates freshness and sheer energy"

Wine Advocate - February 22, 2019 "You get excellent value with the entry-level 2016 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia. This vintage radiates freshness and sheer energy, thanks to the excellent material available in this classic vintage. The base of the wine is Merlot, but the winemaking team at Ornellaia sources fruit far and wide along the Tuscan coast to locate the Sangiovese and the Cabernet Sauvignon that completes the blend. The wine opens to a rich, dark appearance and offers succulent fruit tones of blackberry, blackcurrant and lingering spice. You also get that characteristic freshness that comes from the Sangiovese."

"Juicy and savory"

James Suckling - September 11, 2018

"Blackberries and blueberries with hints of licorice and hazelnuts following through to a medium body with firm and silky tannins. A delicious finish. Juicy and savory. Drink now."

"Fruity yet savory"

Wine Spectator - August 14, 2018 Black currant, blackberry and mint aromas and flavors mark this firm, linear red. Fruity yet savory, ending with a dense, wide swath of dusty tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese

Trade Materials

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