What kind of wine is Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia?
The Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia is one of the most iconic Tuscan red wines, a symbol of the elegance and power of the Bolgheri territory. It is born from a blend of international grape varieties typical of the area – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small percentage of Petit Verdot – blended to create balance and depth. The Bolgheri Superiore DOC denomination indicates a structured wine of great personality, with a full body and a long aging potential in the bottle.
Vintage Details
The 2014 vintage was marked by a balanced climate, with a regular spring and a slightly cooler summer than average, a factor that allowed for slow and homogeneous ripening of the grapes. Well-distributed rainfall and temperature swings between day and night favored the development of complex aromas and remarkable tannic finesse. The harvest took place from late September to early October, with partial manual selection in the vineyard and subsequently in the cellar, to ensure only the best berries.
Winemaking and Aging
After delicate destemming, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, where the grapes remain in maceration (contact between skins and must) for about 15–20 days, to extract color, tannins, and structure. Subsequently, the wine ages for 18 months in French oak barriques (some of which are new), thus refining the aromatic profile and softening the tannins. This is followed by a further period of rest in the bottle before commercialization, to achieve definitive harmony.
Tasting Notes
The Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia is a complex and refined wine that tells the story of the Bolgheri territory through its depth and the perfect balance between strength and elegance.
Color
Visually, it presents with an intense and deep ruby red color, with shiny garnet reflections that anticipate its maturity and evolutionary potential.
Nose
On the nose, it releases a broad and enveloping bouquet with notes of ripe black fruits, blueberry and blackberry, accompanied by hints of sweet spices, cocoa, tobacco, and slight balsamic nuances. The aromatic profile is elegant and layered, evolving in the glass with ever-new nuances.
Palate
On the palate, it is a structured, balanced, and deep wine. The fine and perfectly integrated tannins provide support and complexity, while the persistence is long and harmonious. Returns of dark fruit and spicy notes emerge, leading to an elegant and velvety finish.
Food Pairings for Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia
This Bolgheri Superiore pairs perfectly with rich and structured dishes that enhance its aromatic complexity. Excellent to accompany:
- grilled or roasted red meats;
- braised and stewed beef;
- game such as wild boar or hare;
- aged hard cheeses, such as Tuscan pecorino;
- dishes with truffles or sauces with porcini mushrooms.
For a meditative tasting, it can also be enjoyed on its own, allowing it to open in the glass to fully capture the evolution of its aromas.
Storage and Aging: How to store Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia wine
Thanks to its structure and concentration, the Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia offers excellent aging potential. To store it best, it is advisable to keep it in a cool environment free from temperature fluctuations, ideally between 12°C and 16°C, with controlled humidity around 70%. The bottles should be stored horizontally to keep the cork consistently moist.
This wine can evolve positively in the bottle for over 15 years, developing even more complex nuances and an increasingly harmonious taste profile. If you wish to appreciate its full richness today, it is recommended to decant it at least an hour before serving to allow for proper oxygenation.
Ornellaia
The history of the Ornellaia winery Located in the heart of Tuscany's renowned wine region, the Ornellaia winery is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously. Founded in 1981, Ornellaia quickly earned a prestigious place in the global wine scene, thanks to the unp...
How to best open and serve Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia, it is important to position the bottle correctly. If it has been stored horizontally, place it upright at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the wine's natural sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing it from ending up in the glass during service.
2. Ideal serving temperature
Temperature strongly influences the aromatic and gustatory perception of this Tuscan wine. Serve Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine is too warm, it will lose elegance; if too cold, it will appear closed and not very expressive. It is preferable to place the bottle for 15-20 minutes in a slightly cooler environment if it exceeds the ideal temperature.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or screw pull corkscrew to gently open the bottle. Follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring, keeping the wine clean from any metallic or foil residue.
- Insert the corkscrew spiral into the center of the cork and rotate slowly to about three-quarters of its length.
- Extract the cork with a continuous, controlled movement, avoiding jerks that could disturb the sediment.
4. Inspection and first taste
Once opened, observe the cork to ensure it has no signs of mold or excessive humidity. Pour a small amount of Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia into a glass:
- Check the color and brilliance of the wine.
- Smell for any defects (cork taint, oxidation).
- Taste to confirm its integrity and aromatic profile.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
As an aged wine, decanting is a recommended step to enhance its bouquet. Slowly pour the contents into a decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and still. Stop pouring as soon as you notice the first sediments reaching the neck. Allow Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia to oxygenate for at least 30-60 minutes. This time allows the complex aromas to fully emerge: notes of ripe fruit, spices, tobacco, and chocolate will spread harmoniously.
6. Serving
Use large, high-quality red wine glasses to promote aeration and allow the wine to express its intensity. Fill them to about a third of their capacity. During service:
- Handle the bottle or decanter with care, avoiding abrupt movements.
- Pour slowly to maintain the clarity of the wine.
- Savor the wine calmly, letting it evolve in the glass.
7. Storage after opening
If you do not consume the entire bottle, re-cork Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia with its cork or a specific wine stopper and store it in the refrigerator. The wine will keep for 2-3 days without significant alterations. Before serving it again, slowly bring it back to the ideal serving temperature.
By following these steps, you will be able to best appreciate the extraordinary elegance and complexity that make Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2014 - Ornellaia one of the most refined wines of Tuscany.