Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Ornellaia originates in Bolgheri, where complex ancient soils interact with a delicate coastal microclimate influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. For the 2023 wine, each grape variety and individual vineyard block was handled separately.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published vintage (2023): 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.
Vinification
The bunches were harvested by hand into 15 kg crates. Selection took place on a double manual sorting table, both before and after destemming, followed by optical sorting and gentle crushing. Each variety and vineyard block was vinified separately. Fermentation lasted one week in stainless-steel and concrete tanks at 26–30°C, followed by approximately 15 days of maceration, for about three weeks in vat overall. Malolactic fermentation occurred mainly in barriques, 70% new and 30% once-used.
Ageing
The wine matured in barriques for approximately 18 months. The lots were assembled after the first 12 months and returned to barrel for another 6 months. A further 12 months of bottle maturation preceded release.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5% vol.
Tasting profile
The 2023 is a deep, vibrant ruby red. Its expressive bouquet combines ripe blueberry, blackberry and other dark fruits with toasted almond, cocoa and Mediterranean scrub. The palate is concentrated, generous and expansive yet unexpectedly supple and refined. Its powerful body remains soft and balanced, while silky, precisely defined tannins sustain a rich, flavourful and persistent finish.
Vintage notes
A mild winter with comparatively high temperatures and average rainfall prompted early vegetative growth. Abundant spring rain replenished water reserves but demanded meticulous vineyard work. Summer was hot without reaching extremes, and intermittent rain limited water stress, supporting gradual, even ripening and concentrated berries. Late-August rainfall and cool September nights encouraged aromatic complexity and preserved acidity, giving the wine a balance of power and elegance.
Label / history
The 2023 Vendemmia d’Artista edition is titled “La Vitalità.” Marina Abramović interpreted the vintage through a site-specific work and treatments for large-format bottles, and designed a limited-edition Bordeaux-bottle label alongside the traditional label. Each six-bottle case of 750 ml Ornellaia 2023 contains one bottle bearing the “La Vitalità” artistic label.
