Bolgheri DOC Superiore La Determinazione 2022 Ornellaia

What type of wine it is

Ornellaia "La Determinazione" is a red wine from Bolgheri with a powerful structure and an elegant profile. It is born from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, yielding a red that is generous, assertive and at the same time fresh. This is the edition that features on its label the work of Pascale Marthine Tayou, created within the Vendemmia d'Artista project.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the Ornellaia estate, in Bolgheri, where ancient, complex soils converse with a delicate microclimate that finds its mirror in the Mediterranean Sea. For the Vendemmia d'Artista project, Pascale Marthine Tayou was invited to interpret the character of the vintage: he designed a limited-edition art label to accompany the classic label.

How it is made

The harvest is by hand and the bunches pass over a double sorting table, before and after destemming, with optical selection as well, followed by gentle pressing. Each variety and each parcel is vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in concrete tanks, with an extended maceration for about three weeks in total. Malolactic fermentation occurs mainly in oak barriques, partly new and partly second-use, where the wine ages for about 18 months, the blend being made after the first twelve. This is followed by 12 months of bottle aging before release.

Tasting notes

The bouquet is highly expressive, with aromas of black fruit and touches of vanilla and tobacco. The olfactory complexity is found on the palate, where the wine opens with a broad, assertive attack. A powerful tannic structure then appears, leading to a savoury, long finish. Overall, Ornellaia shows its hallmarks of elegance and freshness.

Food pairing

The powerful structure and firm tannins call for substantial dishes: grilled red meats, braises and game, as well as roast lamb and aged cheeses. The notes of black fruit, vanilla and tobacco complement flavourful, slow-cooked preparations, where the wine’s savouriness accompanies the meat’s succulence.

When to serve it

This is a wine conceived for special occasions and for dinners featuring structured dishes. The limited-edition art label also makes it an excellent gift choice or for those who collect the Vendemmia d'Artista editions. A generous glass and a few minutes of aeration after opening enhance its expression, and its structure allows it to evolve over time in the bottle.