About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Ornello is produced from estate vineyards at Gavorrano in the province of Grosseto. The vines grow at 90 m a.s.l. on medium-textured, clay-rich soil with abundant stones. They are trained to spurred cordon at a density of 5,900 plants per hectare, with a stated yield of 55 q/ha (5.5 t/ha).
Grapes
Latest published vintage (2023): 40% Sangioveto, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 20% Syrah.
Vinification
Merlot is harvested at the end of August; Sangioveto, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon follow in mid-September. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, and malolactic fermentation is completed.
Ageing
The wine spends 12 months in barriques and five months in bottle.
Technical data
Maremma Toscana DOC. A medium-structured red with ageing capacity. The 2023 technical sheet lists 0.75 L, 1.5 L and 3 L formats.
Tasting profile
The 2023 is intense ruby red. Elegant balsamic aromas mingle with roasted-coffee notes. Woodland-floor nuances emerge on the palate, supported by soft, velvety tannins that give balance and persistence.
Serving and pairing
Pairs with meat dishes and substantial roasts, as well as selected cured meats and medium-mature cheeses.
Vintage notes
The 2023 growing season produced a smaller crop but high-quality fruit. A promising spring was followed by a July heatwave that placed the vines under pressure. Careful vineyard work and timely intervention yielded grapes of high quality and wines marked by finesse and balance.
Label / history
Created as a tribute to the butteri, the traditional cowboys of Maremma, the wine takes its name from the pointed wooden staff used to guide livestock; a buttero appears on the label. The blend brings together native and international varieties, with Syrah contributing fullness, richness and spice while retaining freshness and elegance. The first vintage was 2007. The 2023 was included in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025.
