The story of Ornellaia is inextricably linked to the Super-Tuscan phenomenon, which originated with the 1968 release of Sassicaia, a wine crafted by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta at his Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri. However, the roots of the so-called Super-Tucans can be traced back to della Rocchetta's early experiences with the wines of Bordeaux. Inspired by the claret he tasted at his grandfather's house during WWI and the bouquet of Bordeaux wines he encountered over the years, he aimed to create a comparable wine. After planting Cabernet Sauvignon in 1948, he partnered with renowned oenologist Giacomo Tachis to elevate his artisanal creation into a premier wine.
Rebelling against the strict requirements of Italian wine laws, which prohibited the inclusion of French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Marchesi Lodovico Antinori established Tenuta dell'Ornellaia in 1981, planting Bordeaux grape varieties directly next to Rocchetta's Tenuta San Guido. By 1985, the first vintage of Ornellaia was produced, a Vino di Tavola composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The quality of these wines could not be ignored; as a result, their popularity and subsequently, their price, began to rise steadily. By the mid-1990s, after much pressure from the public and producers alike, Bolgheri DOC was created, signifying a shift that recognised the work of those who had pioneered the region and the uniqueness of the terroir.
While Sassicaia may have established Bolgheri and brought it to the world stage, Ornellaia galvanised the region's reputation for consistently producing superb, high-quality wine.
Today, iconic Super-Tuscans, such as Ornellaia, exhibit a distinctive style. Celebrated for depth, elegance, and fresh acidity, reminiscent of the finest Bordeaux, while the legacy of pioneers continues to inspire new generations of winemakers. In 2002, Lodovico Antinori sold Ornellaia, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of Tuscan wine.
Alongside other Super-Tuscans such as Sassacaia and Tignanello, Ornellaia has solidified its iconic status in the realm of Italian wine. Remarkably, the quality of these wines continues to improve over time. The legacy of the Super-Tuscans and Ornellaia reshaped the Tuscan and Italian wine scene, marking the country's entry onto the global fine wine stage. Even after four decades, these wines remain some of the most sought-after and memorable experiences for wine enthusiasts.