Bolgheri wine estate Ornellaia has announced the market debut of Ornellaia Bianco 2022, a Sauvignon Blanc that reflects the estate’s unique microclimate and soil characteristics. This white wine is produced alongside the winery’s renowned Ornellaia, embodying the estate’s philosophy of expressing terroir potential.
Marco Balsimelli, the Technical Director of Ornellaia, stated, “Ornellaia Bianco is an interpretation of the estate philosophy, which has always sought to clearly express the potential of this terroir.” He further described the wine as having a balance of elegance and complexity, highlighting its taut and deeply textured profile.
The 2022 vintage began with a winter that maintained average seasonal temperatures. Following this, cool and dry early spring conditions delayed vine budding. A prolonged dry period ensued during the growth, flowering, and veraison phases. However, summer rains revitalized the vines, promoting grape ripening. The harvest period was characterized by optimal conditions, allowing for the accumulation of acidity and aromas.
Grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning and immediately chilled upon arrival at the cellar to preserve their aromas. After careful selection, the grapes underwent slow pressing and static decantation. The must was then transferred to barriques, tonneaux, and cigar-shaped barrels, with 25% being new and 75% used, for alcoholic fermentation. The wine aged for 10 months on the lees with regular bâtonnage, followed by blending of wines from various parcels before bottling. After an additional 18 months of aging, the wine was released to the market.