Ornellaia: The Super Tuscan Icon That Conquered Collectors
From the Tuscan coast to the global stage, discover how Ornellaia became a legendary collectible wine.
The story of Ornellaia began in 1981 when Lodovico Antinori recognized the potential of the Bolgheri estate on the Tuscan coast. At a time when the region was considered less prestigious than Chianti or Brunello, its proximity to the sea, rolling hills, and mild climate created the perfect conditions for crafting wines of exceptional structure and longevity.
From the start, Ornellaia focused on Bordeaux varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot—defining itself as a pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement: wines made outside traditional denominations that captivated the international market.
From the First Vintage to a Legend
The first vintage, 1985, is now one of Italy’s most sought-after and expensive bottles. Over time, Ornellaia continued to grow, aided by Frescobaldi’s acquisition in 2005 and collaborations with renowned artists like Michelangelo Pistoletto and William Kentridge for special labels.
Today, Ornellaia symbolizes elegance and collectibility. Production is limited to about 12,000 cases per year, with meticulous grape selection and aging exceeding 18 months in French oak barriques.
Market and Valuations: A Record-Breaking Super Tuscan
According to Liv-Ex and Wine Advocate, Ornellaia consistently ranks among the top five most-traded Italian wines globally. The most sought-after vintages—1985, 1988, 1998, 2001, 2006, 2010, and 2015—have seen significant appreciation: 1985 now surpasses €1,500 per bottle, while 2010 and 2015 trade between €300 and €500.
Limited editions like “La Grande Vendemmia” and special collector formats (magnums, double magnums, and beyond) have reached record-breaking figures, with auction results exceeding €5,000.
Why Collect Ornellaia Today
Ornellaia represents a unique case in Italian wine: a blend of entrepreneurial vision, artisanal quality, and international recognition. Collecting it today means owning a label that has evolved while staying true to its roots.
Each vintage tells a story of terroir, climate, and enological mastery. Artistic collaborations for special labels add cultural value, transforming the bottle into a 360-degree collectible object.
Ornellaia is more than a Super Tuscan—it’s a symbol of elegance, passion, and conscious collecting. With Collecto, you can access the most iconic vintages, carefully selected and stored, turning your love of wine into an exclusive and authentic collecting experience.
