Antinori Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala 2024

Marchesi Antinori has more than 600 years of history, and Cervaro della Sala is made at Castello della Sala in Umbria from Chardonnay with a small share of the local Grechetto. It is one of Italy's benchmark oaked whites, built in the mould of fine white Burgundy. The wine is fermented and aged in oak, where barrel fermentation binds the wood into the wine and slow oxygen exchange through the staves adds structure and a toasted, nutty depth. Ageing on the lees, the spent yeast left after fermentation, releases mannoproteins that thicken the texture, while a partial malolactic conversion softens the sharper malic acidity into rounder lactic acidity and adds a creamy note. Grechetto brings acidity and a savoury, almond-tinged lift that keeps the blend fresh. The colour is bright straw-gold. The nose shows white peach, pear and citrus over vanilla, toasted bread and hazelnut. The palate is full and layered, the oak and lees weight carried by firm acidity into a long, mineral, faintly saline finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees in a large glass.