Muffato della Sala
Climate
Springtime in the area of Castello della Sala was characterized by frequent rainfall, thereby guaranteeing the accumulation of excellent reserves of groundwater in the estate’s sub-soil. Spring favored a slight anticipation of bud break and flowering and an optimal bud set. The summer of the vintage was characterized by temperatures generally higher than typical seasonal averages and little precipitation. Beginning in mid-August, light rains and the subsequent lowering of temperatures created ideal conditions for the continuation of the vegetative cycle of the vine and for the ripening of the crop. The climatic conditions of the months of October and November guaranteed the perfect development of botrytis, or “noble rot”. The harvest began towards the end of October with the Gewürztraminer and continued with the Riesling, the Sauvignon, and the Sémillon and terminated in early November with the Grechetto.
Vinification
The grapes are sourced from the vineyards of the Castello della Sala, situated between 650 and 1500 feet (200-450 meters) above sea level on clay-rich soils with ample marine fossils. The vineyards’ grapes were picked by hand, returning to the same plot on various occasions according to the state of the grapes. After delivery to the cellars, the grape bunches were given a further selection on a conveyor belt and a light pressing without destemming then followed. After pressing, the must fermented for eighteen months at a temperature of approximately 62 °Fahrenheit (17 °Centigrade). The wine which was obtained, still sweet, went into Allier & Tronçais barriques where it fermented for some six months before continuing its maturation in stainless steel tanks for a period of two 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
The 2015 Muffato della Sala presents a luminous and intense golden yellow color. The nose is delicate and elegant with aromas of ripe fruit, apricots and peaches, harmoniously fused with floral hints, citrus fruits, and light salty sensations. The palate confirms and fully brings out the sensations of the nose, and shows a notable balance between freshness and sweetness with a long finish and aftertaste as well.
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.
Climate
Springtime in the area of Castello della Sala was characterized by frequent rainfall, thereby guaranteeing the accumulation of excellent reserves of groundwater in the estate’s sub-soil. Spring favored a slight anticipation of bud break and flowering and an optimal bud set. The summer of the vintage was characterized by temperatures generally higher than typical seasonal averages and little precipitation. Beginning in mid-August, light rains and the subsequent lowering of temperatures created ideal conditions for the continuation of the vegetative cycle of the vine and for the ripening of the crop. The climatic conditions of the months of October and November guaranteed the perfect development of botrytis, or “noble rot”. The harvest began towards the end of October with the Gewürztraminer and continued with the Riesling, the Sauvignon, and the Sémillon and terminated in early November with the Grechetto.
Vinification
The grapes are sourced from the vineyards of the Castello della Sala, situated between 650 and 1500 feet (200-450 meters) above sea level on clay-rich soils with ample marine fossils. The vineyards’ grapes were picked by hand, returning to the same plot on various occasions according to the state of the grapes. After delivery to the cellars, the grape bunches were given a further selection on a conveyor belt and a light pressing without destemming then followed. After pressing, the must fermented for eighteen months at a temperature of approximately 62 °Fahrenheit (17 °Centigrade). The wine which was obtained, still sweet, went into Allier & Tronçais barriques where it fermented for some six months before continuing its maturation in stainless steel tanks for a period of two 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
The 2015 Muffato della Sala presents a luminous and intense golden yellow color. The nose is delicate and elegant with aromas of ripe fruit, apricots and peaches, harmoniously fused with floral hints, citrus fruits, and light salty sensations. The palate confirms and fully brings out the sensations of the nose, and shows a notable balance between freshness and sweetness with a long finish and aftertaste as well.
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), 229 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
Clay soils rich in deposits of marine fossils.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
