Italian love story
Mature, misunderstood Tuscan terroir meets exciting Bordeaux blend
It is the second wine of one of Italy's blue-chip properties; considering the quality and pedigree, it offers phenomenal value. 2017 represents the 20th vintage of Ornellaia's Serre Nuove label, and it's a good 'un; a very hot, dry year has produced a powerful, intense wine. Sea breezes brought cooler nights, and a balancing freshness to the final wine. Ornellaia are so pleased with the result they have given this vintage commemorative labels and embossed wooden cases.
Nestled into the Bolgheri foothills 2 miles from the Mediterranean, Ornellaia has always jostled with Sassicaia for the crown of top winery in this part of the world. Once upon a time, Bolgheri was a malarial swamp producing only second-rate wine; Sangiovese has never much liked this terroir. But with the discovery that Bordeaux varieties can be world-class here, the region shot into the limelight.
When it comes to blending, while Ornellaia itself will always get pick of the best lots, Le Serre Nuove is next in the queue. It is built to be a bit more accessible (some might say less monolithic) than the top label. The 2017 blend comes out at 54% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Tasting, it comes across as a refined mix of black fruit and red berries, cedar wood and balsamic, smoke and herb; a characterful expression of Bolgheri's very successful marriage of Bordeaux grape varieties and Tuscan terroir. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; for shipment Winter 2019
