Ornellaia Le Volte 2018

Drink now through to 2028. No need to decant before serving.

Founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is today one of Italy’s most famous wineries. Antinori is the brother of Piero Antonori, founder of Tenuta Tignanello, and the cousin of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta who founded Tenuta San Guido which produces the world-famous Sassicaia. Lodovico Antinori was one of the first to start producing top quality Bordeaux-style blends or “Super Tuscans” as they are now known in Tuscany’s coastal Maremma region.

The estate’s most accessible wine is their Le Volte, a vibrant and easy-going Tuscan red composed primarily of Merlot along with a smaller quantity of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each grape variety is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and then aged in oak barrels for 10 months before the final blend is created.

The result is an elegant, fruit-forward red which is bursting with ripe plums, cherries and hints of dark berries along with cigar box spice and toast notes from the oak ageing. On the palate there is a rich, smooth texture, medium body, soft tannins and long finish with ample dark fruit flavours seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and dried herbs. Try pairing it with classic Italian charcuterie, seasonal game, or fresh pasta served with a rich tomato-based ragu.