One of Italy's most iconic producers, Ornellaia is located in Bolgheri which is widely considered to be one of the most exciting wine producing regions in the country. This part of the Tuscan coast benefits from a mild maritime climate and a unique terroir, which combined with great care taken in both the vineyard and winery, are key in the production of these modern and elegant wines.

Ornellaia is a blend of Cabernet and Merlot and every vintage offers an expression of the unique terroir developed in harmony with nature.

For the last ten years, Ornellaia has collaborated with a contemporary artist in its Vendemmia d’Artista project. Each year the artist creates a work of art and a series of limited edition labels drawing inspiration from the single word chosen by the winemaker to describe the character of the new vintage. A series of limited edition bottles are then auctioned for charity.

Interview with Axel Heinz, Estate Director and Winemaker

How did you find the 2015 vintage?

After the unusual 2014, the 2015 vintage proved to be very regular, almost ‘textbook’ like. After a normal, rainy, mild winter, spring was characterized by dry and sunny weather. July will be remembered as particularly scorching and dry. Luckily rain came around the 10th of August. The abundant precipitation allowed the grapes to continue ripening, also bringing a much cooler weather during the final stages. This cool yet sunny weather persisted throughout the harvest, allowing us to pick very slowly, combining a fresh and lively aromatic quality with a perfect phenolic maturation with abundant yet silky and soft tannins

How do you go about choosing a word to describe each vintage for the Vendemmia d’Artista project, including 2015’s ‘Il Carisma’?

It is an interesting exercise, but very simple for the 2015 vintage. Like people of great ‘Carisma’ (Charisma), wines of great vintages know how to impose themselves naturally, without force, their balance allowing them to shine without having to flaunt themselves.

How much money have you raised for charity since the project was started in May 2009?

Almost 2 Million Euros to the best museums in the world.

Bolgheri is a small town located in the Tuscany region of Italy, known for its production of high-quality wines. The region has a rich history of winemaking, dating back to the Etruscan era. The area's unique microclimate, with its proximity to the sea and the hills, provides the perfect conditions for growing grapes.

One of the most famous producers in Bolgheri is Tenuta San Guido, which is known for its production of the iconic Sassicaia wine. This wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes, and is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months. The result is a full-bodied wine with a complex aroma of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, and a long, elegant finish.

Another notable producer in Bolgheri is Ornellaia, which produces a range of high-quality wines, including the Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore. This wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes, and is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with a complex aroma of blackberry, blackcurrant, and vanilla, and a long, smooth finish.

A third producer worth mentioning is Le Macchiole, which is known for its production of the Paleo Rosso wine. This wine is made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes, and is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. The result is a full-bodied wine with a complex aroma of black cherry, blackcurrant, and spice, and a long, smooth finish.

Overall, Bolgheri is a region that produces some of the finest wines in Italy, and is home to some of the most renowned producers in the world. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass of wine, Bolgheri is a region that should not be missed.