The 2022 vintage of Ornellaia Bianco was released to market today.
Ornellaia Entrance
A Sauvignon Blanc from Bolgheri, Ornellaia Bianco is produced alongside the estate’s first growth Ornellaia, encapsulating the estate’s microclimate and soil qualities as a fine white wine.
A winter with temperatures nearing the seasonal average marked the beginning of the 2022 vintage, followed by cool dry conditions in the early spring, which caused the vines to bud later than usual. From May onwards, a lengthy dry spell endured in the Bolgheri region during the growth, flowering and veraison stages. Summer showers reactivated the energy in the vines and enabled the grapes to resume ripening. The harvest period allowed the acidity and aromas to accumulate, assisted by cool night-time temperatures. Optimal harvesting conditions ensured that the right date was chosen for each parcel.
The grapes were harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning before being chilled immediately on arrival in the cellar to keep all the aromas intact. After careful selection, the whole bunches underwent slow and soft pressing, ensued by static decantation. The must was moved into barriques, tonneaux and cigar-shaped barrels – 25% new and 75% used – for alcoholic fermentation. The ageing continued for 10 months on the lees with regular bâtonnage. Wines from the various parcels were expertly blended before being bottled and set aside to age for a further 18 months before being released to market.
Ornellaia Bianco is an interpretation of the estate philosophy, which has always sought to clearly express the potential of this terroir,” comments Marco Balsimelli, Technical Director of Ornellaia. “The balance between elegance and complexity can be seen in this taut, deeply textured wine that represents Ornellaia around the world.”