Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Toscana

One of the great Super-Tuscan estates, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia was founded in 1981 in what has proved to be one of Italy’s most interesting and expressive wine-making areas, the maritime hills of Bolgheri within the greater wine region of Maremma.. Ornellaia’s 97-hectare estate stretches out along the Tyrrhenian Sea, just north of the Maremma between Livorno and the Island of Elba, and is the birthplace of the now-iconic wines Ornellaia, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia, Masseto and Le Volte.

Its success is due both to its staunch commitment to the philosophy of “quality without compromise” and to the unique climate and terrain here. While in some ways similar to Bordeaux’s, the estate’s terroir is truly something special; ever-changing and composite, it includes marine, alluvial and volcanic soils, allowing each grape variety to be planted in its ideal type of soil.

The original property, which Antinori inherited, is home to a stylish, clean-lined winery and 30 hectares of vineyards. Nearby is the second estate, Bellaria, with 46 hectares. Lodovico Antinori is no longer involved with the winery he founded; in 2002, the Mondavi winery of California acquired full ownership, and in 2005 Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi took over. Today, a young and enthusiastic team manages operations.