Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from Ornellaia’s estate vineyards in Bolgheri. Each variety and individual vineyard block was handled separately. During the dry 2021 summer, the estate’s deep soils and reserves accumulated during spring helped protect the vines from excessive water stress.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published vintage (2021): 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested by hand into 15 kg baskets. Bunches underwent manual grading and selection on a double sorting table, both before and after destemming, and were then gently crushed. Every variety and single vineyard block was vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation took place in stainless-steel vats for one week at temperatures below 25°C, followed by approximately 10–15 days of maceration. Malolactic fermentation began in steel and was completed in barriques.
Ageing
The wine spent about 15 months in barriques, of which 25% were new and 75% were one year old. After 12 months, the lots were assembled and returned to barriques for a further three months. Bottle maturation lasted another six months before release.
Technical data
Toscana IGT Rosso. Alcohol: 15% vol.
Tasting profile
Cabernet Franc supplies tension, freshness and aromatic finesse; Cabernet Sauvignon contributes spice, power and opulent yet elegant tannins; Merlot brings ripe fruit and a soft, rounded centre. The 2021 is intensely aromatic, with ripe fruit, delicate spice, tobacco and refined balsamic nuances. It is full and inviting on the palate, with a succulent core, integrated mature tannins and a persistent finish.
Vintage notes
A mild, rainy winter replenished soil-water reserves. Dry conditions in March preceded budbreak during the first half of April. Gradually rising temperatures and normal rainfall supported even shoot growth, and flowering occurred in excellent conditions toward the end of May. June brought slightly above-average temperatures and almost no rain; veraison followed in the last week of July. The dry spell continued through August and September, producing small, concentrated berries without excessive water stress. Hot, sunny and rainless September weather allowed picking decisions to be tailored to each vineyard. Merlot was harvested in the first half of September, while the remaining varieties were picked from 13 September through 1 October.
Label / history
Variazioni in Rosso is conceived as a changing expression of each harvest, with the varietal composition responding to the particular qualities of the vintage. It is reserved for guests visiting the estate.
