2001 La Serre Nuove dell’ Ornellaia

Bolgheri, the wine region near the Tuscan coast, used to be a sleepy place. But with the success of Sassicaia and Ornellaia, two of Italy’s most revered super Tuscans, Bolgheri is busting out in new vineyards. Even Piedmont’s Angelo Gaja has built a wine estate there. The competition is heating up.

Although both Sassicaia and Ornellaia are hard to find and harder to afford, Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia makes a second label, Le Serre Nuove. Here’s a baby Ornellaia that the rest of us can afford. It’s a supple blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a deep red color, lovely balance and a long, smooth finish. It’s a tremendously versatile food wine, which like most Cabernet, loves grilled meats. Just in time for the summer barbecue season.

S. Irene Virbila

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Quick swirl

Region: Bolgheri, Tuscany

Price: About $35

Style: Supple and full-bodied

Food it goes with: Grilled meats

Where you find it: Liquid Wine and Spirits in Chatsworth (818) 709-5019; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; John and Pete’s in West Hollywood, (310) 657-3080; The Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731