Ornellaia Poggio Alle Gazze 2021

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia sits on the Tuscan coast at Bolgheri, an area that made its name in the 1970s and 1980s when producers moved beyond the local rulebook to work with non native grapes. Poggio alle Gazze is the estate's white, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino and Viognier grown in the coastal Maremma. The maritime climate brings warm days tempered by sea breezes, which ripens the fruit fully while sea air and cool nights hold the aromatics and acidity in place. Each variety is handled separately and aged for twelve months on its lees before blending. That extended lees contact releases mannoproteins that build the broad, creamy texture the wine is known for, while the three grapes contribute in turn: Sauvignon its citrus and herbal lift, Vermentino its saline structure, Viognier its stone fruit and floral weight. The 2021 pours bright straw gold. The nose is deep, with white peach, melon and pear over elderflower, white flowers and a spicy, balsamic background. The palate is broad and rich, with ripe white fruit, a creamy mid palate and a long, saline finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass.