About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from Castello della Sala vineyards in Umbria, near the Tuscan border and approximately 18 km from Orvieto. The vineyards used for the 2024 wine lie between 200 and 450 m above sea level on clay-based soils rich in marine fossils. Morning fog and the local microclimate encourage Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, which reduces the berries’ water content and concentrates their sugars and aromas.
The wider Castello della Sala estate covers 600 ha, including 229 ha of vineyards planted across gently rolling hills. Its soils are predominantly clay and limestone with fossil shells, while exposure to the rising sun and pronounced differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures favor white varieties.
Grapes
Blend proportions vary by vintage. The latest published vintage, 2024, combines Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, Sémillon and Riesling. The fruit is affected by noble rot.
Vinification
The 2024 grapes were harvested by hand in successive passes, with pickers returning to each vineyard as individual parcels and clusters reached the desired condition. Harvest began in mid-October with Traminer, continued with Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and ended in early November with Grechetto.
At the winery, whole clusters were selected again on sorting tables, gently crushed without destemming and then pressed. The must fermented for 18 days at approximately 17 °C.
Ageing
The still-sweet wine was transferred to 228 L oak vessels, where it matured for several months. Ageing then continued in stainless-steel tanks for an additional, unspecified period.
Tasting profile
Muffato della Sala 2024 is yellow with bright greenish reflections. Its complex, elegant aroma combines pineapple, mango and papaya with dried apricot, yellow peach and candied citrus peel, complemented by delicate fresh-ginger notes.
The palate is enveloping and harmonious. Sweetness is balanced by vibrant acidity, bringing freshness, energy and depth. The finish is long and persistent, recalling citrus marmalade, dried apricot and candied fruit.
Vintage notes
The 2024 season began with a relatively mild winter and average overall rainfall. A moderately rainy spring built good water reserves in the soil, while slightly cooler-than-average temperatures supported regular budbreak and balanced, even vine growth. Warm, stable conditions in July and August, together with marked day–night temperature differences, allowed slow, progressive ripening while preserving freshness and aromatic intensity. Frequent morning fog during October and November created favorable conditions for noble rot, naturally concentrating sugars and increasing aromatic complexity.
Label / history
Muffato della Sala was first produced in 1987. Its blend has evolved over time and is now based on Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, Sémillon and Riesling. The wine is made in very limited quantities from botrytized grapes traditionally harvested in late October and early November.
