Produced by the great house of Antinori, the name of Cervaro della Sala originates from the family who owned Castello della Sala during the 14th century, Monaldeschi della Cervara.
Situated in the stunning region of Umbria, Cervaro is a blend of Chardonnay & Grechetto (an indigenous variety grown in the region) which adds a beautiful herbaceous edge to the minerality & crisp fruit of Chardonnay. Cervaro undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrique, which rounds the wine with a luscious richness.
This is a much-loved Italian chardonnay blend - it will drink well on delivery, yet will evolve superbly (if allowed!).
2018 Castello della Sala
£230 per 6 in bond
96 Points (Wine Advocate)
Compared to the 2017 vintage that shows a more accessible and full-bodied style, the 2018 Cervaro della Sala is a classic edition—it's about as classic as I have ever tasted this landmark white from Umbria to be. This cooler vintage prizes finesse and elegance, and those traits are matched by efforts in the winery to accomplish that same goal. On many levels, the 2018 vintage opens a new chapter for Cervaro della Sala, with a stronger emphasis on preserved lemon, crisp pear and crushed mineral. The wine offers beautiful freshness and linearity. I must also mention that this vintage is released while the fruit is still a bit closed or shy. That slightly reductive approach bodes very well for the wine's future evolution.