Marchesi Antinori - Castello Della Sala Cervaro Della Sala Umbria 2021 (750ml)
Price: $87.00
| Producer | Marchesi Antinori |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Umbria |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 8058 |
| Size | 750ml |
Wine Advocate: 96+ Points
This wine is mostly Chardonnay with about 7% Grechetto. The presence of the Grechetto has declined quite a bit over the past couple of vintages. Given these tweaks to the winemaking formula the 2021 Cervaro della Sala promises an exceptionally crisp and linear presentation with salty mineral tones lots of stone fruit and tart apple. No malolactic fermentation or oak is used on the Umbrian grape that always adds a hint of rusticity and Umbrian authenticity. However the Chardonnay is fermented in oak and aged in both new and used barrel. In light of climate change work is being completed to reduce vineyard density with new plantings going in at 3500 vines per hectare down from 5500 vines per hectare like we saw in the past. These wines were tasted during a visit to the Marchesi Antinori headquarters in Bargino Tuscany. Castello della Sala is one of the group's most interesting estates and is especially important to Managing Director Renzo Cotarella who is native to Umbria and grew up not too far away from this postcard-perfect castle. The wines from the classic 2021 vintages are beautiful both the reds and the whites; however Mr. Cotarella tells me that yields are much lower due to frost damage in the spring of that year. The big news from Castello della Sala is the release of a new high-end Chardonnay Nibbio della Sala introduced this year. The wine is made in a very fresh linear style with the requisites for cellar aging. Although Nibbio della Sala comes from the Castello della Sala property the branding is Marchesi Antinori so you will find a review of this exciting new wine listed under that name in this report. Published: May 04 2023
Vinous: 95 Points
The 2021 Cervaro della Sala comes to life in the glass with crushed stones oyster shells and damp earth evolving into lemon oil green apple and hints of chamomile. This is pure elegance with silky verging on creamy textures and brilliant acidity. A salty staining of minerality adds tremendous depth to baked apple and spice notes. It finishes crunchy and long with a citrus tinge as touches of custard and nectarine slowly fade. This is a dramatic Cervaro della Sala that possesses amazing balance. It will be fascinating to watch it mature over the coming years. (Drink between 2024-2031)
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