Tenuta Dell'ornellaia

2003 Bolgheri Red Blend

An Eliot Thomas Selection Tenuta Dell'ornellaia is a stunning red blend hailing from the renowned Bolgheri region. This captivating wine showcases a deep, garnet hue that beckons from the glass, inviting you to explore its complex layers. The body is full, offering a rich and luxurious mouthfeel that coats the palate beautifully. Acidity is pronounced, contributing to a bright and lively character that keeps the wine vibrant. Fruit intensity is prominent, with notes of dark berries and ripe plum taking center stage, elegantly intertwined with hints of spice and cedar. Tannins are structured and firm, providing a solid backbone while enhancing the overall depth of flavor. This red blend is beautifully balanced and dry, making it an exceptional choice for both special occasions and intimate gatherings.

Tasting notes:

Cherry

Blackcurrant

Tobacco

Flavor profile:

Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Region:

Bolgheri

The birthplace of cult wine Sassicaia and the "Super Tuscan" movement, Bolgheri DOC is a fascinating recent addition to Italian wine history. For fans of silky Bordeaux-style reds, Bolgheri's nonconformist blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese are second to none. Lying in a coastal area of central Tuscany called Alta Maremma (which was swampland until it was drained in the 1930s), Bolgheri's sloping, gravelly terroir is quite distinct from the Chianti hills. A local winemaker planted Bordeaux grapes here after WWII, and in 1978 his Sassicaia won first place at a blind tasting of Bordeaux wines. The rest is history. Bolgheri's Vermentino-based whites, while less famous, are also well worth seeking out. The DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) designation for Italian wines was introduced in the 1960s. It is the main classification system used in the country and regulates what winemakers can and cannot do regarding wine style, varietal restrictions, minimum and maximum alcohol levels, aging techniques and growing regions.

Want to discover wines for you?

Take our quiz to see a selection of wines tailored to your tastes.

Take the Quiz