Ornus dell’Ornellaia is a late harvest Petit Manseng produced in extremely limited quantities and gives yet another dimension to the Estate. In certain vintages conditions are perfect in the tiny “Palmetta” vineyard for the production of this exclusive dessert wine. The name Ornus dell’Ornellaia takes its inspiration from ‘Fraxinus Ornus’, the Latin name for the Manna or Flowering Ash (in Italian, Orniello), the tree which has given its name to the Ornellaia. The “Manna Ash” Orniello or ‘Fraxinus Ornus’ is a tree which is typical to the Mediterranean coastal area. Its precious sap has been used since Biblical times as a sweetener and acts as a perfect link to the sweetness of Ornus dell’Ornellaia.
The creation of Ornus dell’Ornellaia was inspired by our passion for the territory and desire to fully explore its potential to produce great late harvest sweet wines, assisted by the mild and well-ventilated climate, typical of Autumn in Bolgheri. The warm, sun-blest 2011 expresses itself in an appearance of intense gold, and a nose with inebriating tropical fruit, dried apricot, citrus and caramel. The palate is remarkably rich and vibrant, redolent of fragrant honey and tropical fruit, emphatically sweet but perfectly balanced by the lively vein of acidity classic to Petit Manseng