Le Volte Dell’ Ornellaia 2017 – Ornellaia.

Le Volte is essentially the “third wine” by the famous house of Ornellaia, situated in the Bolgheri DOC in Italy. Bolgheri (being dubbed the “Land of the Super Tuscans”) produces great Bordeaux style blends, with some of the most famous producers being Tenuta Dell’ Ornellaia (Ornellaia) Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia) and Antinori (Solaia). 

Super Tuscans are Bordeaux style reds, which can be successfully produced in this DOC because of the characteristics of the soil and micro climate (sunny, dry and moderately windy). For this they mainly use similar grapes as in Bordeaux, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Some blend this with local super star Sangiovese.

Besides their flagship wines Super Tuscan producers often make a 2nd and 3rd wine, including (some of) the same grapes. These wines are great “value for money”. Buying a 2nd or 3rd wine gives you a great taste of the region, winemaker and potential of their wines at a fair price, so absolutely recommended!

The Wine

In this case we are reviewing the 3rd wine of Ornellaia (1st is “Ornellaia Superiore” at ~ €200 and 2nd “Le Serre Nuove” at ~ €50). A blend of Merlot, Cabernet and Sangiovese) that aged for 6 months in oak barrels (previously used for Ornellaia Superiore). Le Volte costs around ~ €20 per bottle.

This 2017 bottle gives you a medium bodied wine with fruitiness (but not too much) earthiness and spices. Primary notes are black fruit, vanilla and oak. Overall the wine has well balanced flavors and great structure. The tannins are top quality; silky and refined. 

The wine is a joy to drink and great pairing with mushroom risotto or softer meats like lamb, veal or chicken. For its price you should not think twice and nobody at the table will get disappointed.

Price:               ~ 20 euro

Taste date:      December 2020

Score:              94/100 DWA Score

Website:         Ornellaia