Le Volte 2005 – Tenuta dell’Ornellaia

Le Volte 2005 Le Volte - Italian Red Wine. Le Volte is a blend. Every year the percentages of the grapes can change. The primary variable is the Cabernet Sauvignon that will vary from 15-30%. The percentage of Merlot then makes up the remaining percentage. Le Volte was first produced in 1991. The objective of this wine is a quick to market table wine that is drinkable as soon as it hits the shelves and will age over a few years relatively well.

Le Volte 2005 is a pretty good solution for everyday consumption. It is not complex but still has sufficient structure to balance savory red sauce and meat dishes. This wine is an Italian version of a Bordeaux mix table wine. Bordeaux lovers will find this wine surprisingly familiar. While Le Volte 2005 is fruity I would not call it a fruit bomb. Tenuta dell’Ornellaia has successfully avoided that overpowering fruitiness often associated with young Bordeaux table wines.

I would not load up on cases of this wine but a few bottles in the cellar could prove valuable for savory dishes when you are not sure what to open. I would also open this wine several hours early. Pour a glass and set the wine aside with the cork in the bottle. This will mellow the fruitiness a bit. The glass of wine poured can be used cooking dinner or just tasted to get you into the mood.

Grapes: Sangiovese 50%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%.
Color: Intense Ruby Red
Bouquet: Mature red fruits
Taste: The Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese result in medium body with a relatively good structure. The Merlot softens the finish and covers the palate.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Serving Temperature: 18 c.

Serving notes: This is a good dinner wine, not exceptional, but good. I would serve this wine with red sauces, roasts and grilled red meat.



Tags: Sangiovese Ornellaia Red Wine Italian Wine Tuscany Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy