San Giovanni Della Sala
Climate
Overall climatic conditions for the 2018 vintage were cool with frequent rainfall that favored normal development of the vines’ growth cycle. January weather was mild with little rain. Cold temperatures and snowfall marked the end of February and the beginning of March, followed by higher than average rainfall that helped replenish groundwater reserves in the vineyards. Rain showers in spring and the beginning of summer slightly delayed berry development. Hot weather set in mid-July throughout all of August, which combined with excellent temperature fluctuations between day and night, promoted slow regular berry ripening. Harvesting of Grechetto, Viognier and Pinot Blanc for San Giovanni began the last week of August and concluded after picking Procanico. Grapes were healthy, at peak maturity with an optimal aromatic profile and excellent freshness.
Vinification
Each different grape variety was fermented separately in the cellar to enhance characteristics unique to each variety. Part of the must was cold soaked on the skins for about 6 hours at a controlled temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) before being blended with the gently pressed must. The blended must was then transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). The wine was left to age on the lees for several months and up until the final blending and bottling to improve its structure, elegance and minerality.
Historical Data
San Giovanni is produced from the vineyards surrounding the medieval castle at Castello della Sala and is a blend of indigenous varieties, Grechetto, Procanico with Pinot Blanc and Viognier; a new interpretation of the Orvieto Classico appellation. The first vintage of Castello della Sala’s Orvieto Classico was 1990.
Tasting Notes
San Giovanni della Sala is a pale straw yellow in color with greenish highlights. The nose is remarkable for its refined bouquet of floral aromas and notes of ripe fruit of peaches and pineapple. The palate is mouth filling, balanced, persistent and sustained by bright freshness.
The Wine
San Giovanni comes from Castello della Sala’s vineyards and is made with a blend of Grechetto, Procanico, Pinot Bianco and Viognier, a contemporary representation of Orvieto Classico.
Climate
Overall climatic conditions for the 2018 vintage were cool with frequent rainfall that favored normal development of the vines’ growth cycle. January weather was mild with little rain. Cold temperatures and snowfall marked the end of February and the beginning of March, followed by higher than average rainfall that helped replenish groundwater reserves in the vineyards. Rain showers in spring and the beginning of summer slightly delayed berry development. Hot weather set in mid-July throughout all of August, which combined with excellent temperature fluctuations between day and night, promoted slow regular berry ripening. Harvesting of Grechetto, Viognier and Pinot Blanc for San Giovanni began the last week of August and concluded after picking Procanico. Grapes were healthy, at peak maturity with an optimal aromatic profile and excellent freshness.
Vinification
Each different grape variety was fermented separately in the cellar to enhance characteristics unique to each variety. Part of the must was cold soaked on the skins for about 6 hours at a controlled temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) before being blended with the gently pressed must. The blended must was then transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where alcoholic fermentation took place at a temperature of 16 °C (61 °F). The wine was left to age on the lees for several months and up until the final blending and bottling to improve its structure, elegance and minerality.
Historical Data
San Giovanni is produced from the vineyards surrounding the medieval castle at Castello della Sala and is a blend of indigenous varieties, Grechetto, Procanico with Pinot Blanc and Viognier; a new interpretation of the Orvieto Classico appellation. The first vintage of Castello della Sala’s Orvieto Classico was 1990.
Tasting Notes
San Giovanni della Sala is a pale straw yellow in color with greenish highlights. The nose is remarkable for its refined bouquet of floral aromas and notes of ripe fruit of peaches and pineapple. The palate is mouth filling, balanced, persistent and sustained by bright freshness.
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
Soils originating from sedimentary deposits of marine fossils with veins of clay.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
