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95 Robert Parker
The Castello della Sala 2019 Cervaro della Sala relies on a time-honored formula in which the Grechetto grape adds vertical intensity and freshness and Chardonnay gives structure and sophistication. Indeed, Grechetto (with late-harvest clones) never goes above 10% of the blend, and no malolactic fermentation is performed on that variety in order to maintain its tonic and fresh personality. This stunning edition shows orchard fruit, honey and flinty notes. The Chardonnay ferments in neutral barrique from September to February, and fine-grained wood is prioritized to render a reductive winemaking technique to further preserve aromatic intensity. This mid-weight and age-worthy white is redolent of Golden Delicious apple, acacia flower and tropical fruit.
92 Vinous
A mix of mulled yellow apples, crushed hazelnuts, dusty dried flowers and wet stone creates a rich and inviting display as the 2019 Cervaro della Sala evolves in the glass. It’s soft and enveloping, casting opulent waves of textural ripe orchard fruits and subtle savory spices across the palate. Nuances of wild herbs come together with lingering mineral tones under an air of vanilla custard as the Cervaro della Sala tapers off fresh yet with incredible length. This blend, primarily Chardonnay with a dollop of Grechetto, could use another year or two to fully unwind.
Producer
Antinori - Castello della Sala
A short distance from the historic city of Orvieto, Castello della Sala towers its scenic landscape as Antinori’s only fully Umbrian estate. Spread across 500-hectares, the Antinori family uses 140-hectares of this pleasant property for the production of Chardonnay, in addition to several other indigenous and aromatic white varietals, Procanico and Grechetto, as well as a limited amounts of non-traditional varieties. Built in 1350, the aesthetic medieval fortress stands in the center of the historic, hillside Etruscan villages lying between the Paglia River and Mount Nibbio. The dynamism between the old and the new, which is ever-present in each of Antinori’s productions – holds true. Integration of both traditional and modern practices within the vineyards and cellars have produced five first-rate whites, and one pure, age-worthy Pinot Noir. It’s most famous wines are Cervaro della Sala – a vibrant yellow, crisp blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto – and its second wine, a pure Chardonnay – Bramito del Cervo.