The Bolgheri Ornellaia is a wine that has reached the pinnacle of global winemaking. Since its first harvest in 1985, it has shown how a unique corner of Tuscany, called Bolgheri, could produce a great Bordeaux-style red.
This wine is exceptional, a winemaking masterpiece that defies time.
The Unique Composition of Bolgheri Superiore
The Bolgheri Superiore is made up of an exclusive blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
These grapes are vinified separately in stainless steel vats, then undergo malolactic fermentation inside oak barrels. After an initial aging of 12 months, always in barrels, the wines are blended, and the cuvée is reintroduced into wood to allow the different grape varieties to ‘socialize’ for about another 6 months.
Finally, the wine rests for at least 12 months in the bottle, a process that enriches the wine, allowing the full development of all its organoleptic nuances.
Organoleptic Characteristics of Bolgheri Ornellaia
The Bolgheri Ornellaia presents itself with an intense ruby red color. Its aroma is characterized by intriguing spicy notes of cloves and black pepper, followed by sage, aromatic herbs, and Mediterranean scrub, along with deep balsamic nuances.
The taste reveals a full-bodied, opulent, substantial wine, yet at the same time, vibrant in freshness and precise in its saltiness.
It offers a taste progression that delights the palate, enveloping it with a refined and dense tannic texture that concludes with a persistent freshness of crisp red fruit.
The Ornellaia Estate
The Ornellaia Estate has a fascinating history that began in 1981, in a beautiful pristine area of Tuscany called Bolgheri, surrounded by cypress trees and frequented by migratory birds, just a few steps from the Tyrrhenian coast.
Thanks to passion, dedication, and exceptional pedoclimatic conditions, Ornellaia saw the light with its first harvest in 1985, immediately becoming an icon among the Super Tuscans.
The founder of the estate is Marquis Lodovico Antinori, who wisely selected the lands between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci.
The Bolgheri Ornellaia is a wine of great structure and complexity, suitable for numerous gastronomic pairings. Its aromatic richness and its tannic structure make it an ideal companion for red meat dishes, game, and aged cheeses.
First Courses
Regarding first courses, the Bolgheri Ornellaia pairs beautifully with flavorful and rich dishes. A perfect example could be meat cannelloni, where the juiciness of the meat and the creaminess of the béchamel sauce perfectly match the structure and intensity of this wine.
Another ideal pairing could be a pasta timbale, perhaps with a meat or mushroom sauce, which with its richness of flavors and its robust consistency harmonizes wonderfully with the characteristics of the Bolgheri Ornellaia.
Red Meats and Game
When it comes to red meats, the Bolgheri Ornellaia is an unbeatable table companion. A grilled fillet, a Florentine steak, or a braised red wine are just a few examples of how this wine can enhance and enrich the flavor of the meat.
Game, with its strong and unique taste, is another excellent pairing. A wild boar roast or a hare in salmì can be enhanced by the aromatic complexity and structure of this wine.
Truffle-based Dishes
The Bolgheri Ornellaia pairs wonderfully with truffle-based dishes, a precious ingredient that requires a wine of great structure and complexity to be best valued.
A black truffle risotto or a beef cut with white truffle flakes are just a few examples of how this wine can enhance the unique and unmistakable flavor of the truffle, creating a refined and sophisticated taste pairing.
Rich Fish Dishes
Although it is a red wine, the Bolgheri Ornellaia can also be paired with fish dishes, as long as they are rich and flavorful. An example might be a fish and shellfish stew, where the richness of the fish broth and the variety of seafood perfectly match the aromatic complexity and structure of this wine.
Another interesting pairing could be a Livornese fish soup, a typical dish from Tuscany, which with its intense taste and robust consistency harmonizes wonderfully with the characteristics of the Bolgheri Ornellaia.
Aged Cheeses
Lastly, the Bolgheri Ornellaia is also an excellent match for aged cheeses. Its rich and complex bouquet perfectly complements the depth of flavor and consistency of cheeses aged for more than a year.
Whether it’s Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Toscano, or spicy Gorgonzola, this wine will enhance the characteristics of each cheese, creating an unforgettable taste pairing.
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