A luminous white blend from the coastal vineyards of Bolgheri, Poggio alle Gazze 2021 captures the elegance of Sauvignon Blanc with the Mediterranean charm of Vermentino, Viognier, and Verdicchio. Aromas of sliced apple, pineapple, gooseberry, and crushed stone lead to a creamy, medium-bodied palate layered with citrus, apricot, and a distinctive bitter lemon finish. Brisk acidity and mineral depth reflect both the region’s sun-soaked freshness and Ornellaia’s refined winemaking style.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Aug 7, 2023

Sliced apple, pineapple, apricot and crushed stone aromas follow through to a medium body with creamy texture and pleasant bitter lemon flavors at the end. 72% sauvignon blanc, 16% vermentino, 6% viognier, and 6% verdicchio. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: May 31, 2023
Drink: 2023-2026

Made mostly with Sauvignon Blanc, the 2021 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia reveals a luminous and transparent appearance with fresh aromas of passion fruit, citrus and green apple. The wine is very focused in this classic vintage with upfront acidity and pretty mineral notes. Ornellaia is one of the only estates to offer a Sauvignon Blanc in this part of Tuscany. This bottle is especially popular at the many local fish restaurants along the coast.

Following a very productive 17 years at Masseto and Ornellaia, Estate Director Axel Heinz announced in March of this year that he was leaving his position. He will join Château Lascombes in Bordeaux as CEO. Axel was born in Germany, raised in France and established a brilliant winemaking career in Italy. "It makes it difficult to know which national soccer team to root for," he once joked with me. Under his time at Masseto and Ornellaia, the two brands grew in respective strength with individual identities. His new releases command some of the highest prices in Italian wine and are sought after by collectors worldwide. Axel oversaw the construction of the new Masseto winery, and he launched a second wine called Massetino (new vintages of both are reviewed here). Axel was quoted in the Italian press as saying, "Italy will stay in my heart forever, but it's time to go back to France."

Decanter | D 92
Published: Feb 08, 2023
Drink: 2023-2028

Very Sauvignon on the nose, elderflower, green apple, with hawthorn, bitter lemon rind and soft honeysuckle aromas. Supple and nicely weighted in the mouth, a generosity of acidity and richness so you get thick lemon yoghurt type creaminess with orange peel and apricot flesh with lively lime juice flavours. Bright and charming, almost too squeaky clean contrasting some of the oaked notes, but overall enjoyable and easy to approach. Director Axel Heinz and winemaker Olga Fusari. 6% Verdicchio completes the blend.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Medium
Grapes: 72% Sauvignon Blanc 16% Vermentino 6% Viognier

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Oct 9, 2023
Drink: 2023-2028

Bolgheri. 72% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Vermentino, 6% Viognier, 6% Verdicchio.
Intense straw yellow. Elegant, deep gooseberry and peach nose with a hint of oak. More obvious Sauvignon Blanc notes on the palate and with a core of ripe peach fruit. Aromatic gooseberry and peach fruit on the finish. It fails however to be more individualistic in expressing where it comes from. Perhaps that is not the point of this wine.

Ornellaia.com

Gazing towards the Mediterranean and deeply rooted in the identity of Ornellaia, Poggio alle Gazze reveals a refreshing spirit that is delicate like the breeze, while also remaining sumptuous and self-assured.

Winemaker's notes
“Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2021 shows off its usual shade of bright straw yellow; the nose is complex and enticing with an array of citrus, exotic fruit and white floral notes accompanied by freshly cut grass and asparagus. On the palate, the wine is generous and refreshing, culminating in an enduring savoury, mineral finish as a true representation of the region.”

Olga Fusari – Winemaker – May 2022

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: 6 months ageing on fine lees; 25% new French oak barriques, 25% used barriques, and 50% stainless steel and concrete vats
Varietals: 72% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Vermentino, 6% Viognier, 6% Verdicchio
Farming: Sustainable viticulture
Vineyard Area: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
Vinification: Hand-harvested grapes are chilled on arrival, carefully selected and gently whole-bunch pressed. Fermentation takes place at temperatures below 22°C, with no malolactic fermentation. The wine matures on fine lees for 6 months with regular bâtonnage, followed by 12 months of bottle ageing before release.
Winemaker: Olga Fusari
Region: Toscana IGT Bianco, Tuscany, Italy

Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
Decanting: Not required; allow the wine to open in the glass
Food Pairing: Grilled seafood, lobster, scallops, roast chicken, creamy pasta, and mature goat's cheese.