Umbria IGT Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala 2024 Marchesi Antinori

What kind of wine it is

Cervaro della Sala by Antinori is a white wine from Umbria created from a blend of Chardonnay and Grechetto grapes. It is a technical and well-defined white, in which a fresh and savory aromatic profile is supported by a solid structure, thanks to partial aging in wood. Separate vinification of the grapes achieves a refined and long-lived style. It’s a wine with genuine aging potential, yet it provides immediate appeal from the very first sip, always maintaining marked aromatic precision.

Where it comes from

This wine comes from the vineyards of Castello della Sala, situated in the picturesque landscape of Umbria. The strong connection to the land defines a distinct and recognizable origin, reflected in a remarkable flavor tension. The very name of the bottle recalls the historic Monaldeschi della Cervara family, owners of the castle during the fourteenth century. The vineyards’ proximity to the winery ensures perfect grape integrity, an essential factor in preserving the characteristic aromatic clarity of this label.

How it is produced

Harvesting takes place at night, with quick cooling of the grapes to preserve aromas before crushing and de-stemming. As the varieties ripen at different times, they are vinified separately. Chardonnay undergoes a brief cold maceration, then fermentation and six months’ lees aging in new French oak barriques. Grechetto ferments instead in stainless steel. At the end, the wine is blended and, once bottled, ages for ten months in the estate’s historic cellars.

Tasting notes

Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights in the glass, it clearly expresses freshness and vibrancy. The nose opens with evident toasty notes and fruit nuances, marked by citrus and exotic fruits, alongside subtle buttery sensations from the wood aging. The palate is savory and strikingly fresh, with a harmonious development. The long and persistent finish ensures a clean close and a pleasantly lingering taste.

Food pairings

Its structure and liveliness make it an ideal companion for warm seafood appetizers and vegetable-based dishes. It pairs especially well with first courses dressed with fish, mushrooms, or vegetable sauces, showing particular synergy with mushroom risotto, which interacts perfectly with the citrus and toasty components. Its notable persistence also makes for an excellent match with stewed fish and white meats, whether grilled or braised, and pairs well with game dishes too.

When to serve

This is a highly versatile white, ready to be enjoyed from the first months in the bottle at elaborate lunches or elegant dinners. The pronounced freshness and meticulous cellar work grant it remarkable longevity, making it suitable for extended cellaring. Its aging potential allows for progressive evolution over time. With maturation, the taste profile develops further complexity and a complete aromatic integration between the fruity notes and woody nuances.