2024 Antinori - Umbria Bianco IGT Cervaro della Sala (750ml)

Cervaro della Sala is made at Castello della Sala, the Umbrian estate of Marchesi Antinori, a family with more than 600 years of winemaking history. The name honors the Monaldeschi della Cervara, who owned the castle in the 14th century. The first true Cervaro arrived with the 1985 vintage, making it one of the first Italian wines to undergo malolactic fermentation and barrique aging.

This Umbria IGT white is Chardonnay with a small share of Grechetto, grown in 15 to 20 year old vineyards at 200 to 400 meters above sea level. The soils are of Pliocene origin, rich in marine fossils with some clay. Grapes are picked at night and kept cold, and the two varieties are vinified separately. The Chardonnay musts rest on their skins for 8 to 12 hours before moving into new 225 liter barriques.

Pale straw with light green hues, the 2024 opens with pink grapefruit, elderflower, and chamomile, followed by vanilla, pastry cream, and a hint of flint. The palate is taut and elegant, with toasted almond, white pepper, and ginger. A savory texture is balanced by exceptional freshness, and the vintage pairs energy with finesse, so the wine is built to evolve gracefully over time.