Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2022

Description

Le Volte is consistently one of the best-value drinking reds you can find anywhere in the world, and the 2022 is no different. Bright, fresh fruit adorns the palate alongside nice levels of acidity, making this incredibly moreish. Whilst high-toned and perfumed, the palate has a lovely texture to it. There aren't many better options for mid-week drinking than this.

The Ornellaia Estate was originally founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981. Robert Mondavi acquired full control of Ornellaia and later sold 50% of his shares to Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi. Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, following the sale of Robert Mondavi Corporation to Constellation Brands, then subsequently acquired the remaining 50% share. Marchese Ferdinando Frescobaldi is appointed chairman. For 700 years the Frescobaldi family has combined tradition, experience and innovation with creativity and the pursuit of excellence. The family has always looked to develop and celebrate the diversity of Tuscany’s terroir, being proud owners of some of the greatest vineyards in this region.

For le Volte, the different varietals were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barrique used previously for Ornellaia and partly in concrete tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.

Winemaker Olga Fusari says of the third wine of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, “with its signature ruby red hue and purple tinges, Le Volte dell’Ornellaia displays lively red fruit aromas alongside light spiciness. The wine is well balanced across all components on the palate, blending smooth tannins with refreshing acidity that lends crunchiness to this enjoyable wine."

The aromatics are sweet and fragrant, with crushed damson plum, grilled sandalwood, leather, gourmet edged, easy to sink into, and extremely well made. Higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than in previous vintages of Volte, aged in barrels that were first used for Ornellaia. Director Axel Heinz left half way through this vintage, winemaker Olga Fusari skilfully brings it home. 119ha estate. 92 Points - Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, February 2024