After recently announcing his retirement, outgoing Ornellaia CEO Giovanni Geddes speaks to db about how the Super Tuscan producer has evolved over his 24 year tenure, and why climate change is the gravest threat to the future of Italian fine wine. Geddes announced his retirement in Venice last month at the 15th edition of Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista, stating that he would step down from the role at the end of the year. His replacement is yet to be announced. He joined Tuscan wine giant Frescobaldi in 1996, having previously worked with Rémy Martin and Antinori. In 2005 he managed Frescobaldi’s acquisition of Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia from Constellation Brands, having become Ornellaia CEO in 1999. Speaking about what drew him to Bolgheri, Geddes said: “I have always known the potential of Ornellaia and the uniqueness of its terroir. It was only needed to put the pieces together in a long term vision to make it happen.” During his almost quarter century at the helm, Geddes has overseen significant developments. “It has changed quite a bit, starting from the fact that we have decided to separate Masseto from Ornellaia to give both fine wines the opportunity to pursue their own path,” he explained. “It was a challenge that required time. In 2009, Masseto became the first Italian wine to debut on La Place de Bordeaux (with the 2006 vintage), Ornellaia followed not long after.” “On the other hand, Ornellaia continued its ascension as a great wine of the world being distributed today
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Fine Wine
