Orizzonte Toscana Petit Verdot – Donna Olimpia 1898
2017 Orizzonte from Donna Olimpia 1898 is a rare and exclusive Super Tuscan from Bolgheri, crafted from 100% Petit Verdot. With only 2,000 bottles produced, the wine demonstrates just how impressive this classic Bordeaux grape can become on the Tuscan coast. Intense dark fruit, blackberries, and black cherries meet thyme, cloves, spices, and elegant oak. A powerful, yet fresh and refined red wine with great personality.
About the product
Orizzonte is one of the most distinctive wines from Donna Olimpia 1898. While Petit Verdot is usually used as a minor component in a blend, Donna Olimpia has chosen to let the grape stand entirely on its own. The 2017 Orizzonte is thus crafted from 100% Petit Verdot and classified as Toscana IGT.
Petit Verdot is known for its deep color, concentrated dark fruit, prominent tannins, and spicy character. In Bolgheri's warm Mediterranean climate, the grape finds optimal conditions to ripen and develop a rich fruit character while retaining its freshness.
Following alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the 2017 Orizzonte is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new and 50% one year old. This is followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging. The long maturation gives the wine depth and complexity and rounds off the naturally powerful structure of the Petit Verdot.
The production of the 2017 vintage is limited to just 2,000 bottles. This makes Orizzonte an exceptional wine in Donna Olimpia's portfolio and an exciting choice for both Tuscany enthusiasts and wine collectors.
About the area
Donna Olimpia 1898 is located in the heart of Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. The estate manages approximately 45 hectares of vineyards on soil characterized by sand and silt. Over recent decades, the area has achieved international fame for its great wines based on classic Bordeaux grape varieties.
Proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea is crucial for the region's terroir. The warm Mediterranean climate ensures optimal ripening, while cool sea breezes moderate the temperature and help the grapes maintain freshness and aromatic precision.
It was precisely the combination of this coastal climate and international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot that laid the foundation for the wines that became known as Super Tuscans. Orizzonte is a unique interpretation of this tradition, as the Petit Verdot is allowed to take the lead entirely on its own.
Tasting notes
Nose: Intense and complex with black cherries, blackberries, and dark forest berries combined with thyme, cloves, Mediterranean herbs, and fine spicy tones.
Palate: Concentrated and full-bodied with dark fruit, blackberries, and cherries. The tannins are firm and polished, while a lively freshness provides balance to the wine's power. Spices, herbs, and elegant oak add further depth.
Finish: Long and persistent with dark fruit, spices, herbs, and fine nuances of bitter almond. A fresh and structured finish that showcases the distinctive personality of the Petit Verdot.
Serving and storage
Best served at 16-18°C in a large Bordeaux glass. The wine has already undergone significant bottle aging but will still benefit from 30-60 minutes in a decanter before serving. The 2017 vintage combines maturity with a fine acidity and tannin structure and will continue to evolve if stored correctly.
Food pairing
2017 Orizzonte Toscana Petit Verdot pairs particularly well with:
- Ribeye, entrecôte, and grilled beef
- Rack of lamb and slow-roasted lamb
- Game such as venison, roe deer, and wild boar
- Braised meat dishes with mushrooms and herbs
- Aged Pecorino and other robust cheeses
FAQ
What grape is Donna Olimpia Orizzonte made from?
2017 Orizzonte is made from 100% Petit Verdot. This is unusual because Petit Verdot is typically used as a minor part of a blend alongside other Bordeaux grapes.
How does 2017 Orizzonte taste?
The wine has intense dark fruit with black cherries and blackberries as well as notes of thyme, cloves, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is concentrated with firm, polished tannins and a fresh, long, and spicy finish.
How is 2017 Orizzonte aged?
The wine has matured for 24 months in French oak barrels, where 50% were new and 50% one year old. It then received an additional 12 months of bottle aging before release.
Is Orizzonte a Bolgheri DOC?
No. Although Donna Olimpia is located in Bolgheri and Orizzonte is produced on the estate, the wine is classified as Toscana IGT. This allows for the production of this special wine using 100% Petit Verdot.
Is Orizzonte a Super Tuscan?
Stylistically, Orizzonte can be described as a Super Tuscan: a high-quality Tuscan wine based on an international Bordeaux grape and produced outside traditional Tuscan varietal regulations. The official classification is Toscana IGT.
How many bottles of Orizzonte 2017 were produced?
The 2017 vintage was produced in a very limited quantity of only 2,000 bottles, making it one of the rarer wines from Donna Olimpia.