Terroir

Semi-concealed in the foothills near Bolgheri, Ornellaia lies just a few kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. During the summer months, the cool sea breeze caresses the vineyards and nearby olive groves, while during the winter the hills provide protection from the cold north winds. Ornellaia believes that a wine should be the most authentic expression of the terroir from which it originates and it is right here that, together with the maritime climate, the heterogeneous nature of the land and the estate – of marine, alluvial and volcanic origin – creates a distinct environment where red and white varieties can best express themselves.
The endless parcels of vineyards fit well into this unspoilt landscape like tesserae in a large mosaic, creating a work of extraordinary beauty, complexity and elegance in a truly unique place. Experience, expertise and determination have played their part in enhancing Ornellaia’s quality and reputation, but it is the estate itself that is a constant source of inspiration and which constantly suggests new and exclusive ways to capture its great generosity.

  • DEEP SILTY CLAY
  • DEEP CALCAREOUS GRAVEL
  • DEEP CLAY WITH GRAVEL
  • THIN CALCAREOUS GRAVEL
  • DEEP LOAMY CLAY
  • DEEP GRAVELLY AND SANDY CLAY
  • DEEP SANDY CLAY
  • RED PLEISTOCENE SANDS
  • GRAVELLY AND CALCAREOUS SAND
  • SILTY PLEYSTOCENE CLAY
  • GRAVELLY CLAY
  • SHALLOW CALCAREOUS CLAY
  • GRAVELLY SILTY SAND
  • SILTY CLAY WITH DEEP GRAVEL

VINEYARD SUB-ZONES

1 – BELLARIA ALTA

ALTITUDE: 100-133 masl

SOILS: loamy clay, calcareous with thin or deep gravel

VINES/HA: from 5,200 to 8,700

GRAPE VARIETIES: CS, CF, MN, PV, SB, PM

ROOTSTOCKS: 101.14, 41B, Fercal, 420A, 110r, 3309c

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
Cool and well-ventilated area, late ripening. Wines with great aromatic and refinement complexity. Terroirs also perfect for white wines.

2 – BELLARIA

ALTITUDE: 52-103 masl

SOILS: clay with thin or deep gravel

VINES/HA: from 5,200 and 8,333

GRAPE VARIETIES: CS, CF, MN

ROOTSTOCKS: 420A, 3309c, 10.14, 41B, 161.49, 140ru, RGM, 110r

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
Similar to Bellaria alta, late ripening. Wines with great texture, tension and aromatic complexity. The old CS, MN and CF vines of this area represent the heart of the Ornellaia blend.

3 – FONTINA

ALTITUDE: 93-108 masl

SOILS: deep calcareous loamy clay

VINES/HA: 6,250

GRAPE VARIETIES: SB, VI

ROOTSTOCKS: 101.14, 110r

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
Northern orientation but with excellent opening towards the sea and very good ventilation. A privileged area for white wines.

4 – SONDRAIE

ALTITUDE: 41-51 masl

SOILS: silty clay

VINES/HA: 8,700

GRAPE VARIETIES: CS, MN

ROOTSTOCKS: 101.14, 3309c, 44.53

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
heavier soils, warmer early-ripening area. Robust full-bodied wine.

5 – BOLGHERESE

ALTITUDE: 60-80 masl

SOILS: gravelly and calcareous red sand

VINES/HA: 6,410 a 12,821

GRAPE VARIETIES: MN, CF, PV

ROOTSTOCKS: 41B, 161.49, 110r, 101.14

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
Medium altitude, loose and light soils, early ripening. Mellow and less-structured wines, balanced and aromatic if harvested early.

6 – ORNELLAIA (FORNACE)

ALTITUDE: 80-95 masl

SOILS: silty clay, gravelly and sandy clay

VINES/HA: 6,700 a 7143

GRAPE VARIETIES: CS

ROOTSTOCKS: 101.14, 110r, Gravesac

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: Nord-South and East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
Relatively warm area, particularly suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon.

7 – FERRUGGINI

ALTITUDE: 25-35 masl

SOILS: silty clay with deep gravel

VINES/HA: 6,250

GRAPE VARIETIES: CS, CF, MN

ROOTSTOCKS: 101.14, 110r, Gravesac

VINEYARD ROW ORIENTATION: East-West

CHARACTERISTICS:
Warmer area, low altitude, interesting soils for CS due to abundance of gravel.