Nibbio della Sala
Vinification
Not far from Castello della Sala in a one-and-a-half-hectare vineyard on Monte Nibbio, Chardonnay is able to express exceptional freshness. The vineyard faces almost entirely north/east and is located at 494 meters above sea level (1621 feet a.s.l.). This unique terroir is characterized by calcareous soils that are rich in very fine gravel called “scheletro”. Nibbio della Sala is the finest expression of monovarietal Chardonnay from Castello della Sala; the result of a finely defined style and the vineyard’s distinct mineral characteristics. Nibbio della Sala celebrates uniting Antinori’s winemaking spirit and the unique qualities of this unique terroir.
Winemaking
The vinification cellar was designed to take full advantage of gravity flow; a concept that allows the most gentle handling of freshly harvested berries and fermentation without the use of mechanical pumps. The grapes were harvested entirely by hand and in the early morning hours to preserve the purity of the fruit and protect it from elevated daytime temperatures. The must, which underwent maceration on the skins at a temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) for two hours, was first transferred by gravity flow into tanks for decantation and clarification, then transferred into new French oak barriques for fermentation. The type of wood and toasting level were chosen specifically to enhance the varietal character. The wine was left to age for six months in barriques and both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation were completed during this time. Nibbio della Sala was aged in the bottle for 30 months before release.
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 is elegant, seductive, and complex: notes of flint merge with hints of peach peels and lemon oil. The palate is refined, juicy and crisp with aromas of lime followed by undertones of minerals and saline. Nibbio della Sala has outstanding aging potential.
Not far from Castello della Sala in a one-and-a-half-hectare vineyard on Monte Nibbio, Chardonnay is able to express exceptional freshness. The vineyard faces almost entirely north/east and is located at 494 meters above sea level (1621 feet a.s.l.). This unique terroir is characterized by calcareous soils that are rich in very fine gravel called “scheletro”. Nibbio della Sala is the finest expression of monovarietal Chardonnay from Castello della Sala; the result of a finely defined style and the vineyard’s distinct mineral characteristics. Nibbio della Sala celebrates uniting Antinori’s winemaking spirit and the unique qualities of this unique terroir.
The vinification cellar was designed to take full advantage of gravity flow; a concept that allows the most gentle handling of freshly harvested berries and fermentation without the use of mechanical pumps. The grapes were harvested entirely by hand and in the early morning hours to preserve the purity of the fruit and protect it from elevated daytime temperatures. The must, which underwent maceration on the skins at a temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) for two hours, was first transferred by gravity flow into tanks for decantation and clarification, then transferred into new French oak barriques for fermentation. The type of wood and toasting level were chosen specifically to enhance the varietal character. The wine was left to age for six months in barriques and both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation were completed during this time. Nibbio della Sala was aged in the bottle for 30 months before release.
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 is elegant, seductive, and complex: notes of flint merge with hints of peach peels and lemon oil. The palate is refined, juicy and crisp with aromas of lime followed by undertones of minerals and saline. Nibbio della Sala has outstanding aging potential.
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.
