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. Drink:2020~2035 - WA96
An elegant white, creamy and well-knit, with a spine of citrusy acidity brightening flavors of poached apricot and lemon curd, plus accents of toasted hazelnut and salty mineral. This is medium- to full-bodied without excessive weight, and long and mouthwatering on the refined finish. Chardonnay and Grechetto. Drink now through 2028. - WS91
The name Cervaro comes from the noble family that owned Castello della Sala during the 14th century, Monaldeschi della Cervara. A blend of Chardonnay grapes and a small quantity of Grechetto make a wine that can age over time and represent the elegance and complexity of this unique estate. Cervaro della Sala is one of the first Italian white wines to have malolactic fermentation and aging take place in barriques. The first vintage of Cervaro to be produced was the 1985 vintage. - Winemaker's Notes
Castello della Sala is an Italian winery and one of several estates owned by the major wine producer Marchesi Antinori. The winery and vineyards are located in Umbria, near the border with Tuscany and near the city of Orvieto within the Orvieto Classico appellation. The estate is best known for its flagship Cervaro della Sala white wine from Chardonnay and a small amount of Grechetto, made under the IGT Umbria designation.
The winery is named for the 14th Century medieval castle on its grounds. It was constructed in 1350 as a defensive fortification during regional conflicts around the city of Orvieto but, despite its long history, the site wasn't a commercial wine producer until the 20th Century.
In 1940 it was bought by Marquis Niccolò Antinori, who owned several properties and wine estates most notably around Tuscany. The property was eventually planted with white varieties to expand on the established red wines under the umbrella of Marchesi Antinori.
The castle was restored at the same time as the vineyards experimented with plantings of Grechetto and Chardonnay. In 1985 a brand new cellar and winemaking facilities were completed that included then-state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled fermentation tanks.
The estate covers 500 hectares (1240 acres) with 140ha under vine at elevations between 650 and 1480 feet. Castello della Sala has a reputation for both its Orvieto Classico-designated wine, from a blend of traditional varieties including Grechetto and Procanico (Trebbiano) as well as IGT wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir among others. The property also makes olive oil from an 8ha olive grove. - Information from Wine Searcher
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