Description
History
Cervaro della Sala was first produced in 1985 at Castello della Sala, the historic Antinori family estate located approximately 18 kilometres from Orvieto in Umbria. Its name comes from the Monaldeschi della Cervara, the noble family that owned the castle during the 14th century. The wine marked an important turning point in Italian winemaking, becoming one of the country’s first white wines to undergo malolactic fermentation and oak-barrel ageing. The estate covers approximately 600 hectares, including 229 hectares of vineyards planted between 220 and 470 metres above sea level. Clay and limestone soils rich in marine fossils, together with significant temperature variations between day and night, create ideal conditions for producing elegant, complex and age-worthy white wines. Today, Cervaro della Sala remains one of Marchesi Antinori’s most celebrated labels.
Grape variety
Predominantly Chardonnay, with a small proportion of Grechetto.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in the early morning to preserve freshness and fruit integrity. Following approximately four hours of skin contact at 10 °C, the musts are transferred by gravity into settling tanks for clarification. Chardonnay undergoes alcoholic fermentation in oak barriques, followed by partial malolactic fermentation, contributing texture and complexity. Grechetto is vinified separately without oak contact, preserving its natural freshness and aromatic identity. In February, the Chardonnay is transferred to stainless steel tanks and blended with the Grechetto. The wine then undergoes several additional months of bottle ageing in the historic cellars of Castello della Sala before release.
Alcohol content
12.5% ABV.
Tasting notes
Pale straw yellow with delicate greenish reflections. The 2024 vintage opens with elegant aromas of pink grapefruit, elderflower and chamomile, followed by subtle notes of vanilla, pastry cream and the distinctive flinty minerality characteristic of Chardonnay grown at Castello della Sala. The palate is vibrant, refined and harmonious, revealing toasted almond, white pepper and ginger. A pronounced savoury character is beautifully balanced by lively freshness, while the wine’s enveloping structure leads to a long, precise and persistent finish. A remarkable combination of energy and finesse, with excellent potential to gain further complexity through bottle ageing.
Food pairings
Cervaro della Sala is an exceptionally versatile gastronomic white wine, perfectly suited to refined and structured dishes. It pairs beautifully with shellfish, lobster, scallops, premium baked fish and seafood risotto. Its complexity also makes it an excellent companion to white meats, roast poultry, veal, porcini mushrooms and white truffle dishes. It is equally appealing with medium-aged cheeses and preparations featuring delicate butter-based sauces. Best served at approximately 10-12 °C in a generous wine glass that allows its aromatic complexity to develop fully.
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