The distinguished estate’s magical white epitomizes the philosophy of showcasing its exceptional terroir
New York, NY, April 23, 2020 –Ornellaia, one of the world’s most iconic wine estates, is excited to announce the release of Ornellaia Bianco 2017 to the fine wine market. The estate’s top white, first produced in 2013, comes from three small north-facing vineyards that have demonstrated their remarkable capacity to express the unique character of Ornellaia. Over the course of a complex growing season requiring attentive vineyard work, it developed over an extended period of aging, blending, and refinement. Showing the classic contours of Ornellaia elegance, Ornellaia Bianco epitomizes the estate’s desire to nurture and translate the exceptional qualities of its terroir not only into red wines, but also to this magnificent, world-class white.
The 2017 vintage—which debuts in the wine’s usual limited edition—lays claim to an “impressive complexity and unexpected aromatic intensity,” explains Winemaker Olga Fusari. In a peculiar year where frost, sun, and drought posed a matrix of challenges for the estate’s technical team, the lots of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier destined for the Bianco were harvested at the earliest dates in the winery’s history, a move “essential in preserving the aromatic freshness of the wines, which, after thoughtful blending and élevage, shows a vibrancy accompanied by a fine silkiness on the palate and an enduring, elegant finish.”
Axel Heinz, Estate Director, confirms Fusari’s assessment, noting that “Protecting the bold personality of this vintage was fundamental throughout the entire winemaking and refinement process. Gentle handling of the grapes, and, most importantly, the estate’s exceptional terroir resulted once again in a surprisingly harmonious wine, of which we are very proud.”
Aromas of exotic fruits and fresh citrus shine in a fine-tuned and elegantly-balanced blend of Sauvignon Blanc (91%) and Viognier (9%), with a well-defined acidity elevating and tempering the ripe, rich fruit characteristics owed to one of the most extreme vintages on record. Ornellaia Bianco embodies the timeless spirit of Ornellaia, yet expresses the estate from a completely new perspective, with the wine’s bright yellow color mirroring the sun along the Tuscan coast and its reflective light green glints resembling Bolgheri’s abundant Mediterranean flora.
Ornellaia Bianco is imported exclusively into the U.S. by VINTUS in a very limited amount, at a suggested retail price of $260.
About Ornellaia
The name Ornellaia is synonymous with fine winemaking and an authentic expression of the beauty of Tuscany. The estate is situated along the Tuscan coastline, a short distance from the medieval town of Bolgheri and the iconic cypress-lined approach. Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Superiore and Ornellaia Bianco are the estate’s top wines, ensued by the second vin Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia, Le Volte dell’Ornellaia and the white Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia. In little over thirty years (the first vintage of Ornellaia was in 1985), the team’s dedication accompanied by optimal soil and microclimate have resulted in critical acclaim and public success within Italy and internationally.
