Cervaro della Sala

Castello della Sala belongs to the legendary Antinori family, one of the leading Italian producers of fine quality wines who spans over 600 years of winemaking expertise. The star here is Cervaro della Sala, one of the most sought-after age-worthy white from Italy.

‘A world-class white wine’ – Decanter Magazine

‘structure and sophistication’ - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Cervaro della Sala’s story

Named after the noble family that owned the castle in the 14th century, the wine was first made in 1985 by Renzo Cotarella, who is now winemaking director at Antinori. At the time, Piero Antinori gave him free rein to create a world class white with ageing potential. Following the step of winemaker ‘guru’ Giacomo Tachis, Cotarella began experimenting with Chardonnay and local varieties.

He decided to blend Chardonnay with Grechetto due to the vibrancy it brings to the wine. He also let the wine go through malolactic fermentation, one of the first to do so in Italy, and aged it in oak barrels. The result was impressive and Cervaro della Sala received much deserved international praises. In recent years, the winemaking techniques have evolved and Cervaro has gained freshness, balance and complexity, while still retaining its legendary ageability.

In 1994, little brother ‘Bramito’ was born. Made with 100% Chardonnay sourced from the vineyards surrounding the medieval castle, it is great for early consumption and offers fantastic value.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Located in Umbria, the magnificent medieval manor is surrounded with 600 hectares of land of which 200 are planted with Chardonnay, Procanino, Grechetto, Traminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir. The clay and calcareous soils are rich in fossil shells, and well exposed to the rising of the sun, perfect to grow Chardonnay.

The cellar is designed to take full advantage of gravity flow and avoid the use of mechanical pumps, so the grapes are gently handled during the fermentation process. The grapes are harvested in the early morning hours to preserve the purity of the fruit. Chardonnay is barrel fermented, goes through malolactic fermentation and aged for 5 months before being transferred into stainless steel vats and blended with Grechetto.

2022 - The Growing Season

The 2022 growing season in Orvieto began with warmer temperatures and dry conditions during both winter and spring. The month of June saw no precipitation and registered several heat spikes. Despite these climatic conditions, the vines did not suffer drought stress due to existing pedoclimatic conditions in Castello della Sala’s vineyards. Rain showers at the beginning of August revitalized both the vines and fruit allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. This year’s dry weather ensured perfectly whole, healthy berries, minimized vineyard maintenance, and produced well-balanced, healthy fruit with a good aromatic profile.

Harvesting activities of Chardonnay for Cervaro della Sala, which was of exceptional quality, got underway the third week of August. The grapes were fully mature, with outstanding freshness and had an excellent aromatic profile. Grechetto was harvested three weeks later, towards mid-September.

Cervaro della Sala 2022 - Secure your stock now

The nose presents slight smoky notes of cedar and flint followed by floral hints of Spanish broom and mimosa blossoms. The palate is vibrant, fresh characterized by notes of vanilla, lemon butter and small pastries. Cervaro della Sala has outstanding aging potential but can be enjoyed immediately. - Winemakers notes

Bramito della Sala 2023 - Secure your stock now

Bramìto della Sala has a bright, intense straw yellow color. Notes of white flower blossoms and hints of chamomile dominate the nose accompanied by notes of Golden apples and hints of vanilla. The palate is fresh, extremely pleasant, and fully expresses Chardonnay’s varietal character. - Winemakers notes