Attention to detail. At Ornellaia, everything we do in the vineyard, cellar and in the daily running of the estate is a matter of sensibility. Many tiny details make up the unspoken bond between simplicity and constant improvement.

An intimate knowledge and utmost care for the vines form the bedrock of how we approach the estate’s terroir. The vineyard is made up of many small parcels, each of them receiving individualized care so as to permit the expression of their unique character.

In the past, parts of the Ornellaia estate were covered by the Mediterranean Sea, leaving behind sand, marl and marine fossils. Clay emerges at a slightly higher altitude, dotted with limestone pebbles of varying sizes.

The soil at Ornellaia is marine, alluvial and volcanic in origin. The vineyards are separated into dozens of parcels: each is a microcosm with its own unique identity and expression. All around the vines, the Mediterranean bush and forest reigns supreme.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the main varieties planted on the estate, followed by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, while Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng, Viognier, Verdicchio and Vermentino are the grapes used to make the white wines. The vineyards are mainly southwest facing to embrace the last ray of sunshine that sets over the sea.

Discovering the land’s potential for winemaking was the starting point, but without vision and sheer there would be no Ornellaia. Nature is a generous friend to Ornellaia and we strive to respect its resources. This is the essence of Ornellaia, its past and its future.