Cervaro della Sala 2024 Umbria Bianco IGT Castello della Sala Antinori

Cervaro della Sala 2024
Classification
Umbria IGT
Vintage
2024
Climate
The 2024 vintage was characterized by a relatively mild winter
with average rainfall, followed by a moderately rainy spring that ensured a
good water reserve in the soil. The spring temperatures,
slightly below average, led to a
regular budding and homogeneous growth of the plants.
The flowering and fruit set of the Chardonnay occurred
towards the end of May, while for the Grechetto it happened
about a week later, with a delay of 7 days compared to the
seasonal average. During the months of July and August, the warm
and stable climate, accompanied by significant temperature
fluctuations between day and night, favored a gradual
and optimal ripening of the grapes. The harvest began with the
Chardonnay in the third decade of August and concluded with the
Grechetto 3 weeks later, around mid-September. At the
time of harvest, the grapes were in excellent
health, perfectly ripe, with a good balance
between acidity, sugars, and a particularly
rich and complex aromatic profile.

Winemaking
The winery is designed to fully utilize the principle of gravity and allows for the management of the
grapes and their maceration without mechanical interventions from pumping actions. The
grapes are harvested in the early hours of the morning to ensure that only intact and non-stressed
fruits arrive at the winery, avoiding the higher temperatures of the day. The musts, coming from cold skin maceration of the grapes at 10 °C for
about four hours, are transferred by gravity into decantation tanks where they clarify before being
moved into barriques where alcoholic fermentation occurs, followed by a partial malolactic fermentation. In
February, the Chardonnay is ready to be transferred back into stainless steel to blend with the Grechetto, which is instead
vinified separately without wood. Subsequently, Cervaro della Sala ages for a few months in
bottle.
Historical Data
The name Cervaro comes from the noble family that owned the Castle of Sala in the 14th century: the
Monaldeschi della Cervara. Chardonnay grapes combined with a small portion of Grechetto for a wine designed to
age over time and represent the elegance and complexity of a unique place. Cervaro della Sala was one of the
first Italian wines to undergo malolactic fermentation and aging in barriques, with the first vintage in 1985.
Tasting Notes
Cervaro della Sala 2024 presents a light straw yellow color with greenish reflections. On the nose, it opens
with citrus notes of pink grapefruit accompanied by floral scents of elderflower and chamomile; followed by delicate
aromas of vanilla, pastry cream, and a typical mineral hint of flint, a distinctive sign of the
Chardonnay produced at the Castle of Sala. On the palate, it is tense, elegant, and characterized by notes of toasted almond,
white pepper, and ginger; the rapid finish is well balanced by freshness. A vintage that stands out for its precise
flavor, capable of combining energy and finesse, confirming the vocation of Cervaro della Sala to evolve with
grace over time.