Style Profile at a Glance
| Attribute | Profile | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Medium-to-Full-Bodied & Enveloping | ●●●●● |
| Sweetness | Dry | ●●●●● |
| Tannins | Chewy, Supple & Accessible | ●●●●● |
| Acidity | Fresh & Food-Friendly | ●●●●● |
| Oak | Subtle & Integrated (Aged 10 months partly in concrete tanks and used Ornellaia barriques) | ●●●●● |
Terroir, History & Acclaim
Critical Recognition:
James Suckling 91 pts
Wine Advocate 88 pts
- 91 Points - James Suckling: This is very Mediterranean in character with sage and rosemary to the blackberry and tar aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with medium, chewy tannins and a savory finish. Black-pepper undertones with cloves. Drink now.
- 88 Points - Monica Larner (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate): The entry-level 2019 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is mostly Merlot that is blended with Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. As the text on the back label suggests, the wine aims for a so-called Mediterranean flavor profile that presents the cherry softness of the Merlot against the spice of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the bramble or blue flowers of the Sangiovese. This wine also shows a specifically Italian side, thanks to that food-friendly freshness. I'm thinking pasta with a hearty meat ragù. This vintage is thinner and shorter than I would like to see, but the results are versatile and accessible nonetheless.
- The Gateway to Ornellaia: First introduced in 1991, Le Volte dell'Ornellaia serves as the entry-level bottling for the iconic Tenuta dell'Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri. Designed for immediate enjoyment, it brings the estate's legendary craftsmanship and Tuscan warmth into an accessible daily setting.
- Separate Vinification & Concrete Aging: Merlot, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon are fermented separately in small stainless steel tanks to preserve their individual varietal profiles. The wine is then aged for 10 months in a combination of concrete tanks and second-use Ornellaia barriques to keep the fruit primary and soft.
Highlights
- A classic Tuscan blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
- A radiant 2019 expression combining juicy dark berries, savory wild herbs, and smooth tannins.
- Crafted by the prestigious Tenuta dell'Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep, translucent ruby-red with bright violet reflections at the rim.
- Nose: Fresh, spicy, and expressive. It opens with aromas of ripe dark cherries, wild blackberries, and rose petals, accompanied by herbal notes of sage, rosemary, black pepper, and clove.
- Palate: Dry, medium-to-full-bodied, and enveloping. The entry delivers a plush wave of black fruit sap that glides over chewy, fine-grained tannins, supported by lively Tuscan acidity and a savory, herbal finish.
Serving Suggestion
- Temperature: Serve slightly cool at 15–17°C to preserve its bright acidity and highlight its aromatic herb notes.
- Decanting: A brief 15-to-20 minute decant or aeration helps unlock its fruit layers. Enjoy now through 2028.
- Western Pairing: Prime ribeye steak, grilled pork chops, wood-fired meat pizzas, or roasted lamb with herbs.
- Asian Pairing: Pasta with rich meat ragù, Korean bulgogi, Mongolian beef, or five-spice roasted pork.
You May Also Like
-
Zyme Kairos Veneto Italy 2019
Regular price HK$624Regular priceSale price HK$624 -
Ornellaia Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2018
Regular price HK$218Regular priceSale price HK$218 -
Terrunyo Carmenere by Concha y Toro 2024
Regular price HK$280Regular priceSale price HK$280 -
Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Regular price HK$188Regular priceSale price HK$188
