* the following four wines from Ornellaia e Masseto were tasted with Alessandro Lunardi, Director, North America at the über-popular Italian restaurant, La Roma, on Preston street in Little Italy, Ottawa. He explained their philosophy of producing wine with sense of place and striving for balance, first in the vineyard, taking what nature gives each vintage, then meticulously nurturing that from vine to wine. Ornellaia was one of the early, true Super Tuscans and maintains its iconic status via the above.

Classics Catalogue: Fall 2015

  
Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2013
IGT Toscana Bianco $54.95 (992354) 13.0% alcohol
Harvest began on August 23 concluding September 28, the latest ever at Ornellaia. Fruit was triaged by hand picking—69% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Viognier, 12% Vermentino, 7% Verdicchio—at optimum, balanced ripeness. Smoky, mineral/flinty and floral aromas herald an elegant, textured wash of sweet and tang—honeyed apricot and juicy Mirabelle plum interlace with Meyer lemon and racy passion fruit. It’s rich, luscious and balanced on a pin with persistence of fruit throughout the lingering finish. (Vic Harradine)

Vintages Release: October 31, 2015

  
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2013

IGT Toscana $29.95 (964221) 13.5% alcohol
Perennially a great buy in terms of the price-quality ratio, this red blend—50% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon—leaps from the glass with aromas of baking spice, dark berry fruit and floral notes of lilac. Balanced, palate-bathing flavours of mint-infused black currant and black plum mingle with tangy red currant and mocha persisting through the lengthy, fruit-filled aftertaste. Drinking now, it pours and pairs well with grilled rack of lamb or grilled beef steak. (Vic Harradine)