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 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 flavour.

The Wine

Climate

The 2020 growing season will be remembered for dry climatic conditions. The winter months saw virtually no precipitation nor extremely cold temperatures. Spring started slightly later compared to previous years and brought mild daytime weather and higher than average temperatures with the exception of a couple of cool spells at the beginning of April. From the month of June up until Ferragosto (August 15th) hot, dry weather brought the grapes to full ripeness. Layers of morning fog set into the vineyards during the months of October and November and the berries were gradually covered with “noble rot” that concentrates sugar levels and enhances aromatic complexity. The grape harvest began at the end of October with Traminer, continued with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon and was completed at the end of November with Grechetto.

Vinification

Grapes were harvested from Castello della Sala’s vineyards, 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 18 days at a temperature of approximately 17 °C (63 °F). 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 2 years.

Historical Data

Muffato della Sala is produced with grapes with “noble rot”, harvested in late October and early November to allow the morning mists to develop of Botrytis Cinerea, or noble rot on the grape berries. This type of mould concentrates the water of the crop, its sugars, and its aromas, endowing the Muffato della Sala with a harmonious and unmistakable fragrance. The first year to be produced was the 1987 and consisted of the blend of varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc (50%); Grechetto (30%) and Drupeggio (20%). The composition of the blend has varied over the years and now has attained its definitive results. Muffato della Sala is a fascinating wine, an expression, in small quantities, of the nature of a unique terroir.

Tasting Notes

Muffato della Sala 2020 is an intense bright golden yellow color. The nose opens with a complex harmonious bouquet defined by fragrant notes of dried apricots and candied fruit, accompanied by hints of honey, cinnamon, saffron and nougat. The palate is velvety smooth, pleasantly dense, full bodied, with notes of honey, citrus zest followed by a wonderfully savory finish.

Castello della Sala

Castello della Sala is located in the Umbria region, not far from the Tuscan border, about 18 kilometers from the historic city of Orvieto. The Medieval castle’s property extends over an area of 600 hectares (1482 acres), 200 hectares (495 acres) are planted with vineyards at an altitude that varies between 220 and 470 meters above sea level (722/1541 feet) on the gently rolling hillsides that characterize the beautiful countryside in this area. Castello della Sala is the perfect place for growing white varieties. The vines grow in clay and calcareous based soils, rich in fossil shells, and they are well exposed to the rising of the sun with an excellent difference of temperature between day and night. The one exception to the rule is Pinot Noir, the only red variety that has found in this area ideal growing conditions to best express its full potential.