Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a Bolgheri estate which lies in the heart of Tuscany's coastal region, Maremma, also home to Sassicaia. The estate is one of the icon wineries of Italy, producing some of the finest Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany, grown in the alluvial, volcanic, and marine-based soils which comprise the region’s terroir.

Founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, Ornellaia’s first vineyard plantings were in 1982 and the new winery started operations with the 1985 vintage. Robert Mondavi and Marchesi de' Frescobaldi became co-owners of the estate in 2002, but since 2005, the estate has been exclusively owned by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi.

Grapes which are not designated for the winery’s flagship Bordeaux-styled release Ornellaia, one of the first Super Tuscans, are "declassified" to the production of Le Serre Nuove, which usually has more Merlot, and sees less oak influence. The winery produces several other labels, including Le Volte, a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Sauvignon Blanc, Poggio alla Gazze, and Ornus, a sweet, late harvest wine from Petit Manseng.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia also owns the Masseto winery and estate, which produces an equally world-renowned and lauded single-vineyard Merlot.

Introducing the 2013 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze, a remarkable white wine from the esteemed region of Tuscany, Italy. Crafted by the renowned producer Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, this wine showcases the mastery and finesse that is expected from such a prestigious estate.

In the glass, this wine reveals a very pale, straw color that extends from the core to the rim. Upon initial inspection, the Poggio alle Gazze appears quiet, but with a little time, it unfurls its captivating aromas. The nose is filled with enticing notes of fresh lemon, lime, peach, and nectarine, interwoven with crushed sea shells, delicate blossoms, and a hint of sea spray.

On the palate, this wine delivers an exceptional experience. It exudes a wonderful freshness and exhibits great lingering acidity, which elevates the overall drinking experience. The focused flavors of citrus and orchard fruit take center stage, while a subtle richness emerges on the mid-palate, providing a satisfying weight on the finish. This balance of freshness and depth is a testament to the winemaker's skill and attention to detail.

The 2013 vintage of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze was the result of a unique growing season. A mild spring caused the flowering to be delayed by approximately two weeks. However, a dry and sunny summer followed until mid-August, where cooler temperatures helped the grapes retain their freshness during ripening. This inaugural vintage is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Viognier.

The influence of Viognier is evident in the wine's complex aromatics. It presents a smoky and flinty aroma, complemented by scents of peach and nougat. On the palate, fleshy peach and grilled pineapple take the stage, supported by a creamy backbone and a touch of pithy apricot skin bitterness. The presence of Viognier lends a soft texture to the wine, while the acidity provides a sculpted feel, ensuring a beautifully balanced and harmonious sip.

The winemaking process for the Poggio alle Gazze involved fermenting the individual base wines in barriques, with 30% new oak, and no malolactic fermentation. Aging on the lees for up to 18 months, with periodic batonnage, added complexity and depth to the final blend. A final three months of steel aging preceded the blending and bottling process, ensuring the wine's optimal expression.

Critics have taken note of the exceptional quality of this wine. Jeff Loo, writing for JJ Buckley, awarded it a score of 90, praising its freshness, acidity, and focused flavors. Decanter, on the other hand, awarded it an impressive 93 points. They described its warm yet fresh vintage, superb aromatics, and sculpted feel, making it a wine worth savoring between 2022 and 2032.

The 2013 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze is a testament to the skill and passion of its creators. It is a wine that embodies the essence of Tuscany, inviting you to indulge in its complexity and elegance. This white wine is a true gem, deserving a place in the cellar of any connoisseur seeking the best that Italy has to offer.