Ornellaia & Masseto

Surely the jewel – or jewels – in Frescobaldi’s crown, the adjoining properties of Ornellaia and Masseto stand apart from the rest of the family’s stable. Established by Lodovico Antinori in 1981, Ornellaia made its way into Frescobaldi’s hands by way of Mondavi after Lodovico sold it to the latter in 2002.

While Masseto was originally released as a second wine to Ornellaia with the 1986 vintage, the two have since been divided into two estates. The vineyards are clearly separated by a stone wall and have their own winemaking facilities and teams. Nonetheless, both are overseen by one technical director. After almost 18 years at the helm, Axel Heinz passed the reins to Marco Balsimelli in 2023. The Tuscan-born Balsimelli brings over 15 years of experience in Bordeaux having worked with renowned consultant Eric Boissenot.

A complex mix of sand, marl and limestone pebbles, Ornellaia’s vineyards favour the Cabernets. The flagship wine is Bordeaux in blend with a Mediterranean temperament. Recent vintages have seen as little as 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, though Balsimelli is working to restore it to its original 80-85% - with Lamberto Frescobaldi’s blessing. Of note as well is the Bolgheri Bianco: a harmoniously oaked, creamy and complex 100% Sauvignon Blanc (which will soon incorporate a dollop of Semillon).

As for Masseto, it sits on an upper plateau distinguished by its cool, blue clay soil rich in marine fossils. Originally conceived as a 100% Merlot, it now includes a small percentage of Cabernet Franc in certain vintages. Silky and seductive, this seminal Italian Merlot has reached a fascinating level of understated opulence. It is also among Italy's most stratospherically priced.