Ornellaia

Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2019

Toscana Bianco IGT

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Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia is one of Italy’s most innovative and progressive white wines, providing an altogether different experience of the Ornellaia estate and its Mediterranean influences.

 

 

Winemaking

The clusters were hand-picked into small 15 kg boxes in the early morning hours and immediately chilled on arrival at the cellar in order to fully preserve their aromatic compounds. After a meticulous quality selection, the whole clusters were given a very slow, gradual pressing, while great care was exercised to prevent oxidation of the fruit. After gravity settling of some 12 hours, the separate lots of must were put to barriques, 25% of which new and 25% used, in steel tanks and in concrete vats (50%). Fermentation temperatures did not exceed 22°C, and the wine did not go through malolactic fermentation. The wine matured on the fine lees for 6 months, with regular bâtonnage throughout the period, followed by the assemblage of the final blend. After a light fining, it rested an additional 12 months in the bottle before release.

Vintage

More than most vintages, the year 2019 was characterized by a highly variable climate, which alternated periods of cold and rain with long bouts of drought and heat. After a rather normal winter, budding took place in the first week of April. Cold and rainy conditions throughout April and May considerably slowed down development of the vegetation, delaying flowering to 10 days late compared to the norm. In June, the climate suddenly turned hot and dry, with peak temperatures of 37°C reached at the end of the month. All summer long the weather remained hot and sunny, with temperatures 2°C higher than average and 45 consecutive days without rain. In the last week of July, the long period of drought was interrupted by two days of rain, thus readjusting the temperature to the seasonal norm, with ideal conditions for grape ripening. The harvest of Sauvignon Blanc started on August 19th and continued until the first days of September. Viognier grapes were harvested in late August, while the late ripening varieties Vermentino and Verdicchio fully ripened in mid-September.

Tasting Note

“The result of a rather late harvest and therefore favorable to the aromatic expression of white wines, Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2019 has a bright straw yellow colour with green reflections. On the nose it releases intense notes of citrus and exotic fruit accompanied by scents of mowed grass and asparagus. On the palate it is full bodied and vibrant, characterized by a vibrant acidity and a mineral and lingering finish.”

– WINEMAKER OLGA FUSARI

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier

Appellation

Toscana Bianco IGT

Alcohol

13%

Suggested Retail Price

$82

Reviews

"Interest and a succulent depth"

Decanter - March 16, 2021 "This is enjoyable, it has an attractive kick and a savoury herb edge. As it opens the register changes and deepens, with white pear and apple blossom that add interest and a succulent depth alongside the Sauvignon Blanc-dominated citrus and asparagus. Ageing split between barrels (25% new) and concrete vats."

"Bright and beautifully sculpted"

Vinous - April 28, 2021 "The 2019 Poggio alle Gazze is bright and beautifully sculpted in this vintage. Lemon peel, white flowers, apple and exotic floral notes are nicely delineated. This is an especially perfumed edition of Poggio alle Gazze. Lime, green apple and exotic floral notes lead into the super-expressive finish." - A.G.

"Luminous and bright"

Wine Advocate - May 6, 2021 "Sauvignon Blanc is complemented with smaller parts Vermentino and Viognier to produce the 2019 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia. This remains one of the great, fresh and easy-drinking whites of the Tuscan Coast, and historically, it has a leg up on most of the newcomer Vermentinos that are so popular now. Indeed, this was the precursor and a direct link to the gastronomy of its birthplace, which is so heavily driven by the catch of the day netted by local fisherman. Floral and exotic fruit tones rise from the pretty bouquet with shadings of green papaya and citrus. About one-half of the total sees some oak aging, and the rest goes into steel vat and cement. The wine is luminous and bright with lots of energy and freshness." - M.L.

"Bright and vivid"

James Suckling - August 11, 2021 "Bright and vivid sauvignon with sliced lemons and limes, as well as some grass and fresh fennel. Medium-bodied with gooseberry, lychee and lime flavors. Bright acidity. Bitter lemon at the finish." - J.S.

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Ornus dell'Ornellaia

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