Ornellaia

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2020

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

The Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese grapes 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

After a mild and rainy winter, there was a temporary drop in temperatures in March with a few nights below 0°C at the very start of the budding in the last week of the month. Fortunately, the newly opened shoots were still protected by the cottony tissue of the bud and were not damaged by the frost. The rest of spring had generally warm weather with normal rainfall that ensured regular vegetative development until flowering, which took place on average between 20 and 25 May. There was an intense rainy period in the middle of June, followed by a very long dry period with a substantial absence of rain and torrid temperatures until the end of August. The veraison was homogeneous and rapid between 20 and 25 July, with the grapes beginning to ripen under a blazing sun. Welcome rains came at the end of August and brought a considerable drop in temperatures with them, with night lows reaching as far 13°C: ideal conditions for the Merlots to complete their ripening. They were harvested early and quickly – in only two weeks – to preserve their maximum freshness and fruitiness, just in time to avoid a sudden heat wave lasting one week where the temperatures reached as high as 37 degrees, forcing us to begin harvesting the later vines as early as the 17th of September. A bit of rain towards the end of the month finally brought the climatic conditions back to normal, allowing us to end the harvest on the 3rd of October.

Tasting Note

“Ruby red with purple reflections, Le Volte dell’ Ornellaia 2020 has a vinous bouquet, releasing a complexity of aromas ranging from ripe red fruits, to Mediterranean scrub, up to delicate notes of tobacco and spices. The mouthfeel is soft and silky, but at the same time supported by a lively acidity that gives us a crisp, persistent finish.”

-Winemaker, Olga Fusari

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese

Appellation

Toscana IGT

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$35.00

Reviews

"Freshly-picked cherries"

Decanter - March 17, 2022

Bright and young on the nose, smells like freshly-picked red cherries, almost like sweets, blackcurrant and cherry sweets braced by bramble fruits and soft perfume. Softly creamy and chalky on the palate, strawberries and red cherries have a chalky texture and quite a perfume to the flavor profile. There is fruit there but then it's subdued a little by a savory wood aspect, sweet vanilla and spiced clove that edges the palate. Feels a little disconnected at the moment, not all in harmony, but it has a charm to it and will be approachable earlier. One that will give a lot of pleasure.

- J.S.

"Generous display of cherries"

Wine Advocate - May 13, 2022

"A blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Ornellaia 2020 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia shows medium darkness and texture followed by a very primary and fruit-forward bouquet. There is a generous display of cherry, cassis and wild plum. On second nose, this easy and straightforward Tuscan blend reveals hints of spice, cardamon and polished river stone. In a hot vintage like this, the wine comes together nicely and rather effortlessly."- M.L 5/22

 

"Mouth-filling beauty"

Jeb Dunnuck - June 22, 2022

"The 2020 Le Volte Dell'Ornellaia is a juicy, forward blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese that's aged in a mix of concrete and oak. It's one heck of a delicious bistro wine and is loaded with ripe redcurrants, strawberry, tobacco, and cedary herb aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, this plump, round, mouth-filling beauty is ideal for near-term drinking."-J.D 6/22

 

"Concentrated and Juicy"

Wine Spectator - August 26, 2022

"This balanced red is laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and spice flavors. Concentrated and juicy, leaving a lining of dusty tannins on the long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese."- B.S 8.22

"Poppy red and black fruit"

Jeb Dunnuck - January 27, 2023 "Fresh and floral with red flowers, crushed rock, and red and black fruit as well as cherry pie and cinnamon. With a large proportion of Merlot, and aged in concrete and used barrels, it is full bodied but lifted and bright, with poppy red and black fruit, red plum, dusty earth, and fresh herbs that offer a pleasant touch of amaro."-A.F 1/23

"Blueberries and wild herbs"

Wine Enthusiast - February 13, 2023 "Aromas of pencil shavings, tree bark and soil open the nose of this blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, before blackberries, blueberries and wild herbs emerge. More berries and brambles show on the palate, with flavors of wild mint, pepper and dark chocolate. Elegant and satisfying." - D.C 4/23

More on Ornellaia Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2020

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