MARCHESI ANTINORI Castello della Sala 'Nibbio della Sala' - Umbria IGT 2019 Bottle - VERY LIMITED (los)

Description

Castello della Sala is a magnificent medieval manor located in Umbria, a short distance from the Tuscan border. The region is exceptional for producing white varieties that have found ideal conditions in this terroir to best express its full potential. Each wine produced in Castello della Sala is a contemporary expression of this ancient land. The role of malolactic fermentation is central to Nibbio della Sala. Most of the Chardonnay does complete its second fermentation to convert malic into lactic acid, thus creating smoothness and textural creaminess. However, a portion of the Chardonnay does not complete malolactic fermentation, and that element is key to creating the final blend. The percentage of tart fruit flavors can be adjusted according to vintage. In a sense, that element is comparable to the sharper element of Grechetto blended with softer Chardonnay in the Castello della Sala.

Freshness is in fact the first thing you notice, as is the bandwidth and importance of the mouthfeel. There are many little accents like dried mint, sea salt, crushed mineral, saffron, spice and campfire ash that give lift to a core of creamy peach and melon. The wine remains long on the palate, with smooth softness and volume.

JAMES SUCKLING 99 Points
This is so vibrant and elegant with flint stones, white apricots, green pears, hazelnuts, lemons, green tea and some toast on the nose. Full-bodied, yet elegant and refined, with bright acidity. Vertical in nature. Long. Keeps going. New single-vineyard chardonnay from the Castello della Sala estate, which makes Cervaro della Sala. Even better in a couple of years.

THE WINE ADVOCATE RP 96 Points
Drink Date: 2024 - 2035
This is the inaugural vintage of Marchesi Antinori's latest passion project. With only 5,790 bottles produced, the 2019 Nibbio della Sala is Chardonnay selected from a special vineyard located at a breezy 520 meters above sea level on the Castello della Sala property in Umbria. The site has cool northeastern exposures and thick forests at the lower elevations for temperature insulation. Since Antinori acquired the celebrated Friuli winery Jermann in 2021, the team has dedicated much time and energy to its white wine program. - Monica Larner.