About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The Pinot Noir vines occupy 4 hectares above 400 metres. The soils consist of limestone rich in fossils and sedimentary sand dating from the Pliocene. They retain moisture effectively, while conditions that inhibit bacterial growth help protect the roots from disease and contribute mineral notes to the grapes.
Vinification
After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed. The must is placed in small conical stainless-steel tanks to preserve its fresh varietal character. A three-day cold maceration is followed by one week of fermentation at a controlled 26 °C.
Ageing
Malolactic fermentation takes place in 228-litre French oak barrels, followed by several months of maturation in the same vessels. After bottling, the wine continues to mature in the historic cellars of Castello della Sala until it is balanced and ready for release.
Tasting profile
Energetic and spirited, with mineral notes and a soft, oaky character from maturation in French oak.
Serving and pairing
Pairs well with red meat and aromatic cheeses.
Vintage notes
The 2023 growing season began with a rainy spring that slowed bud formation but replenished the soils’ water reserves. Fruit set consequently started one week later than usual. Warm weather arrived in the second half of July and lasted through the end of August, while balanced differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures supported even ripening. The resulting grapes were fresh, aromatic and expressive of Pinot Nero. Harvest began in the first week of September and continued as the grapes reached full ripeness.
Label / history
Produced since 1990, Pinot Nero della Sala was conceived as the alter ego of Cervaro della Sala, presenting a more energetic and spirited side of Castello della Sala’s character.
Castello della Sala is a 14th-century fortress approximately 18 km from Orvieto. The 500-hectare estate includes 170 hectares of vineyards and was purchased by the Antinori family in 1940. Antinori’s history dates to 1385; the company is now led by Marchese Piero Antinori, representing the family’s 26th generation. It owns estates in several Italian regions and vineyards in Chile, California and Hungary.
