Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2021
Product Information
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Grape Variety 50% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot
Vintage 2021
ABV 14.5%
Overview: Elegance Meets Bolgheri Power
Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2021 stands as one of the most admired vintages of the celebrated second label from the iconic Bolgheri estate, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. Crafted in the heart of Tuscany with the same varietals and philosophy as the flagship Ornellaia wine, this 2021 release offers a compelling expression of maritime-influenced terroir, vibrant fruit intensity, and refined structure, perfect for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.
• Region: Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot
• Alcohol: 14.5% ABV
• Style: Dry, Full-bodied Red
• Ageing Potential: 2025–2040+ (varies by critic)
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes
“A high-calibre vintage, Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2021 shows bright ruby hues with violet highlights. On the nose it is fresh, revealing pink pepper and Mediterranean shrub aromas. The palate is elegant with vibrant acidity and a savoury, long finish that invites another sip.” – Ornellaia Winemaking Team
Expect layers of ripe cherry, cassis, dark plum, and hints of cedar, spice, and tobacco leaf. The balance between fruit concentration and fine-grained tannins makes this a wine that delivers both power and finesse.
Expert Critics & Scores
Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2021 has garnered consistently high reviews from leading critics, reflecting its exceptional quality and balance:
Score Range: 93–95+ points, a rare achievement for a second wine and testament to the outstanding 2021 vintage across Bolgheri red blends.
Wine Enthusiast: 95 pts, Hot, meaty, and umami tones with dark fruit and vibrant acidity.
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 pts, Harmonious nose with kirsch, herbs, and flowers; outstanding length.
James Suckling: 94 pts, Linear structure with currant, chocolate, and cedar; best after 2026.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 93 pts, Generous dark fruit, and exotic spice with creamy oak notes.
Wine Spectator: 93 pts, Polished complexity with blackcurrant and violet layers.
Falstaff: 94 pts, Velvety tannins, and elegant fruit-driven finish.
Discover Other Vintages of Le Serre Nuove
Le Serre Nuove 2020
Le Serre Nuove 2022
Vineyard & Winemaking
Crafted in the same philosophy as Ornellaia’s flagship wine, Le Serre Nuove 2021 is made from grapes sourced across the estate’s coastal vineyards. Each variety is hand-harvested, sorted, and fermented separately to preserve purity of fruit.
• Fermentation: Controlled temperature in stainless steel & concrete vats.
• Maceration: 10–15 days for deep flavour extraction.
• Ageing: 15 months in French oak barriques (25% new, 75% once-used).
• Bottle Maturation: Additional 6 months prior to release.
The result is a wine with impressive structural integrity, expressive now, yet built for graceful evolution with time in the cellar.
Food Pairings
Classic Italian flavours and this Bolgheri fruit powerhouse are a match made in heaven. Try with:
• Osso Buco, braised beef cheeks, or lamb shank
• Wild mushroom risotto with truffle
• Aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Duck breast with cherry reduction
The wine’s acidity and tannic backbone cut through rich sauces while complementing umami-driven dishes.
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• Other Bolgheri wines
• Premium Super Tuscans
• Age-worthy Italian reds
Browse our Italian collection to discover your next cellar addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When should I drink Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2021?
A: While approachable now, many critics suggest peak drinking begins from 2025 and extends into the late 2030s.
Q: How does this compare to Ornellaia’s flagship wine?
A: Le Serre Nuove is considered the second wine, it shares the estate’s house style but typically offers earlier approachability and excellent value relative to the super-premium Ornellaia.
Q: What food pairs best with this wine?
A: Rich red meats, game birds, pasta with ragù, and aged Italian cheeses flourish alongside its structure and spice notes.