Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from the vineyards of Castello della Sala, at 200 to 450 metres above sea level. The clay soils are rich in marine fossils, which gives the grapes a fresh, mineral character. Morning fog and a late harvest running into November favour Botrytis cinerea, the noble rot. Affected grapes hold less water, with more concentrated sugars and a distinctive aroma.
Grapes
The first vintage, 1987, was a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%), Grechetto (30%) and Drupeggio (20%). The blend changed over the following years and settled on Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer and Riesling. The text gives no current proportions.
Vinification
Harvest is by hand, in several passes through the vineyards, taking only bunches affected by noble rot. The fruit is sorted again at the winery and pressed with the stems still attached. Fermentation lasts 18 days at around 17 °C.
Ageing
The wine spends several months completing fermentation and ageing in French oak barrels from Allier and Tronçais, which add notes of dried fruit. It then matures in stainless steel tanks, where the flavours become more balanced while keeping their natural freshness.
Label / history
Muffato della Sala is made in very limited quantities. The first vintage was 1987. It is made from botrytised grapes, like the French dessert wines of Sauternes.
