Muffato della Sala
The wine
This fascinating wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, Sémillon and Riesling affected by Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot). The resulting concentration of sugars and aromas give the Muffato its special and unmistakeable flavor.
Vinification
This fascinating wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, Sémillon and Riesling affected by Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot). The morning mists and local microclimate favour the development of this rot which reduces the water content of the grapes. The resulting concentration of sugars and aromas give the Muffato its special and unmistakeable flavor. Vineyards are located at an altitude between 200 and 450 meters above sea level (656 and 1476 feet), in clay-based soils rich in marine fossils.
Winemaking
All grapes were hand harvested in progressive stages, returning repeatedly to the vineyards to pick the fruit at just the right time. Once the grapes were brought to the cellar, grape clusters were further selected for quality on sorting tables. Grape clusters with their stems were gently crushed then pressed. The must underwent fermentation for approximately 18 days. The wine, still sweet at this stage, was transferred into 228-liter oak where it aged for approximately 6 months, then continued to age in stainless steel tanks for an additional period of two years.
Historical Data
Castello della Sala was built in 1350 by Angelo Monaldeschi della Vipera whose family arrived in Italy in the IX century following Charlemagne’s troops. The 1300’s marked the beginning of a long series of conflicts between family members in order to gain control over Orvieto. In 1437 Gentile, grandson of Angelo dei Monaldeschi della Vipera, gained control of the city and reigned as dictator for over a decade. Following Gentile’s death in 1466, a peaceful period started at the castle, culminating with the reconciliatory marriage of Gentile’s son, Pietro Antonio della Vipera, and his cousin Giovanna Monaldeschi della Cervara. In 1940 Marchese Niccolò Antinori, Piero’s father, bought the estate fully aware of the fact that the area held great potential for producing fine white wines. After years of neglect, Castello della Sala moves towards a period of rebirth.
Tasting Notes
The nose presents notes of ripe tropical fruit, in particular pineapples, mangoes, apricots, peaches and citrus zest accompanied by hints of honey, caramel, butter and spicey notes of saffron and ginger. The palate is pleasantly dense, full bodied and defined by excellent balance between sweetness and acidity. The long finish offers notes of honey, jam, dried apricots and candied fruit.
This fascinating wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, Sémillon and Riesling affected by Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot). The resulting concentration of sugars and aromas give the Muffato its special and unmistakeable flavor.
This fascinating wine is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, Sémillon and Riesling affected by Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot). The morning mists and local microclimate favour the development of this rot which reduces the water content of the grapes. The resulting concentration of sugars and aromas give the Muffato its special and unmistakeable flavor. Vineyards are located at an altitude between 200 and 450 meters above sea level (656 and 1476 feet), in clay-based soils rich in marine fossils.
All grapes were hand harvested in progressive stages, returning repeatedly to the vineyards to pick the fruit at just the right time. Once the grapes were brought to the cellar, grape clusters were further selected for quality on sorting tables. Grape clusters with their stems were gently crushed then pressed. The must underwent fermentation for approximately 18 days. The wine, still sweet at this stage, was transferred into 228-liter oak where it aged for approximately 6 months, then continued to age in stainless steel tanks for an additional period of two years.
Castello della Sala was built in 1350 by Angelo Monaldeschi della Vipera whose family arrived in Italy in the IX century following Charlemagne’s troops. The 1300’s marked the beginning of a long series of conflicts between family members in order to gain control over Orvieto. In 1437 Gentile, grandson of Angelo dei Monaldeschi della Vipera, gained control of the city and reigned as dictator for over a decade. Following Gentile’s death in 1466, a peaceful period started at the castle, culminating with the reconciliatory marriage of Gentile’s son, Pietro Antonio della Vipera, and his cousin Giovanna Monaldeschi della Cervara. In 1940 Marchese Niccolò Antinori, Piero’s father, bought the estate fully aware of the fact that the area held great potential for producing fine white wines. After years of neglect, Castello della Sala moves towards a period of rebirth.
The nose presents notes of ripe tropical fruit, in particular pineapples, mangoes, apricots, peaches and citrus zest accompanied by hints of honey, caramel, butter and spicey notes of saffron and ginger. The palate is pleasantly dense, full bodied and defined by excellent balance between sweetness and acidity. The long finish offers notes of honey, jam, dried apricots and candied fruit.
Castello della Sala
Castello della Sala is located in Umbria, a white wine territory, where time stands still.
The castello was built in 1350 by Angelo Monaldeschi della Vipera whose family arrived in Italy in the IX century following Charlemagne’s troops.
