Pinot Nero della Sala
The Wine
The first vintage to be produced was the 1990 vintage. The wine is made entirely with Pinot Nero grapes and is considered Cervaro’s alter ego: together they represent the two different expressions of Castello della Sala’s complex and refined spirit. Four hectares (10 acres) of Pinot Nero vineyards sit at an altitude of 400 meters (1312 feet) above sea level on calcareous soils rich in fossils with sedimentary sands from the Pliocene epoch.
Historical Data
The ten acres (four hectares) of Pinot Noir grapes at the Castello della Sala estate are situated at an altitude of over 1300 feet (400 meters) above sea level on calcareous soils rich in marine fossils which alternate with strata of sedimentary sands from the Pliocene epoch. The wine was first produced in 1990. Castello della Sala is a fortress erected in the 14th century located approximately ten miles (18 kilometers) from the city of Orvieto and was acquired by the Antinori family in 1940.
The Wine
The first vintage to be produced was the 1990 vintage. The wine is made entirely with Pinot Nero grapes and is considered Cervaro’s alter ego: together they represent the two different expressions of Castello della Sala’s complex and refined spirit. Four hectares (10 acres) of Pinot Nero vineyards sit at an altitude of 400 meters (1312 feet) above sea level on calcareous soils rich in fossils with sedimentary sands from the Pliocene epoch.
A red amidst whites
At Castello della Sala, an area historically important for white wines, Pinot Nero offers an authentic and typical expression of its variety with a strong territorial character.
Winding vineyards
The 4 hectares (10 acres) of Pinot Nero grow along the hillsides shaping the landscape into a series of sinuous terraced vineyards.
Understanding nature
The particularly hot climate of Castello della Sala has forced agronomists to invent new ways to protect the grapes from the hot summer sun. The vines’ shoots are allowed to grow in length and are then folded over the plant so its leaves can shade the Pinot Nero grape clusters.
Climate
2013 was, on the whole, a cool vintage, one distinguished by frequent precipitation during all of the phases of the growing season of the vines. Warm weather arrived during the second half of July, and significant temperature swings from daytime heat to evening and nighttime coolness characterized the month of August and created proper conditions for a regular ripening of the crop. September weather was optimal for the grapes and, unlike other recent vintages, the Pinot Noir harvest began during the second half of the month, approximately ten days later than the normal seasonal average. The grapes, when picked, were healthy, endowed with a fine acidity, and a superior varietal and aromatic character and personality.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested in vineyards at over 1320 feet (400 meters) above sea level at the Castello della Sala estate near Orvieto in Umbria. After destemming and a partial pressing, the must went into small, conical, stainless steel fermenting tanks where it fermented on its skins for approximately one week. The must fermented at a temperature of 79° Fahrenheit (26° centigrade) and finished its fermentation in small French oak barrels, where it subsequently went through a complete malolactic fermentation. The aging in oak barrels continued for ten months, and the wine, at the end of this period of oak aging, was then bottled. An additional eight month period of bottle aging in the historic Castello della Sala cellars preceded commercial release.
Historical Data
The ten acres (four hectares) of Pinot Noir grapes at the Castello della Sala estate are situated at an altitude of over 1300 feet (400 meters) above sea level on calcareous soils rich in marine fossils which alternate with strata of sedimentary sands from the Pliocene epoch. The wine was first produced in 1990. Castello della Sala is a fortress erected in the 14th century located approximately ten miles (18 kilometers) from the city of Orvieto and was acquired by the Antinori family in 1940.
Tasting Notes
The 2013 Pinot Noir is perhaps one of the most expressive of recent years. A light garnet red in color, the nose recalls delicate aromas which range from spices to floral notes of violets and roses along with red berry fruit. The palate is supple and tasty with elegant tannins, silky and polished in texture, the finish long and balanced, the wine is already drinking well but is also endowed with a very important aging potential.
Awards
Wine Spectator 88/100 2015 - USA I vini di Veronelli Super 3 stelle 2015 - ITALIA I vini dell'Espresso 16/20 2015 - ITALIA Antonio Galloni 88/100 2015 - USA
Scheda
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.
Soil
Calcareous soil with fossils and sedimentary sand dating back to the Pliocene period.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
