Castello della Sala is situated on a rocky bluff in the Umbrian Apennines, not far from the border with Tuscany. The castle, surrounded by ancient Etruscan towns, midway between Paglia River and the peak of Mt Nibbio, was built in 1350 for Angelo Monaldeschi della Vipera, whose family had accompanied Charlemagne on his visit to Rome in the 9th century. The estate now grows the finest parcels of Chardonnay and Grechetto in all Umbria, vinification techniques remain in the old world, the style of the finished wines however are timeless, opulent and profound.
Grapes are harvested off vines planted to rich marine fossil clays originating in the Pliocene era, at altitudes between two and four hundred metres. Chardonnay and Grechetto are separately destemmed, crushed and treated to a cold soak for several hours. Chardonnay is transferred to a selection of 225 litres Alliers and Troncais French oak barrels for two or three weeks of vinification. Batches remain in contact with sedimentery lees for six months while completing full malolactic. The Grechetto component is treated to inoculation in fermenters to retain varietal purity. The finished wine is assembled, bottled and laid to rest for a further ten months ageing under the historic wine cellars at Castello della Sala.
Bright golden straw hue. An intense fragrance, aromatic notes of citrus and pears, acacia flowers with hints of vanilla. A well structured palate exhibiting sweeter characters of hazelnuts and butter, persistent complexity and mineral notes. Cervaro drinks beautifully upon release and will continue to deliver complexity for many years to come.
