2019 Antinori Cervaro Della Sala Italy (Other)

2019 Antinori Cervaro Della Sala

97 JS

Featured Review

A full-bodied white with complex aromas of hawthorn, ripe peach, apricot, mango, lime, flint, toast and some smoke. Layered, concentrated and persistent with bright acidity and a firm, phenolic texture. Hint of vanilla. Very long and refined. Beautiful as always. Very approachable, but better from 2022. James Suckling

James Suckling | 97 JS

The Castello della Sala 2019 Cervaro della Sala relies on a time-honored formula in which the Grechetto grape adds vertical intensity and freshness and Chardonnay gives structure and sophistication. Indeed, Grechetto (with late-harvest clones) never goes above 10% of the blend, and no malolactic fermentation is performed on that variety in order to maintain its tonic and fresh personality. This stunning edition shows orchard fruit, honey and flinty notes. The Chardonnay ferments in neutral barrique from September to February, and fine-grained wood is prioritized to render a reductive winemaking technique to further preserve aromatic intensity. This mid-weight and age-worthy white is redolent of Golden Delicious apple, acacia flower and tropical fruit.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 95 RP

A mix of mulled yellow apples, crushed hazelnuts, dusty dried flowers and wet stone creates a rich and inviting display as the 2019 Cervaro della Sala evolves in the glass. It’s soft and enveloping, casting opulent waves of textural ripe orchard fruits and subtle savory spices across the palate. Nuances of wild herbs come together with lingering mineral tones under an air of vanilla custard as the Cervaro della Sala tapers off fresh yet with incredible length. This blend, primarily Chardonnay with a dollop of Grechetto, could use another year or two to fully unwind.

Vinous Media | 92 VM

A toasty, medium-bodied white, with rich notes of baked nectarine, grilled nut, lemon curd and candied ginger gliding across the palate. Enlivened and balanced by well-honed acidity and a chalky underpinning that lingers on the snappy finish. Chardonnay and Grechetto. Best from 2022 through 2029. 1,500 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 92 WS

Type of Wine	Italy (Other) : There are dozens of grape varietals grown in Italy so no wonder they produce such a broad range of most exquisite wines. Some of the most cultivated red varieties are Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Sangiovese, and Barbera, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular. Among whites, you're likely to find Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, or Vernaccia varietals.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Italy : Italy is renowned as one of the world’s greatest gastronomic havens; from certified Prosciutto di Parma to the sea-side seafood eateries on the island of Sicily. However, this epicurean experience could not possibly be as hedonistic without the ethereal combination of the country’s plethora of fine wines. It seems unfair that a nation should be able to boast, both, some of the world’s greatest cuisine as well as its greatest wines. Italian wine is one of the most sought after in the world, and has become the second most produced in the world, behind only France. Stretching an impressive 736 miles from northern Italy to the peninsula’s southern tip, the country’s geography generates an enormous array of topography, climate and soil structure. This is an extremely important quality of its winegrowing and making industry which lays claim to nearly 550 different grape varietals, which all desire their own necessities, in terms of terroir and climate. The still red wines of Italy truly characterize the nation’s vast and expansive terroir; Nebbiolo dominates Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco reign king and queen of the region’s production. Hailing from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, the rockstar Sangiovese grape has become synonymous with greatness. Vin Santo sweet wines have taken on a mighty feat of competing with the glorious wines of Sauternes, and of course, Prosecco. Prosecco, located in Trieste (northeast Italy) and its creation of luxuriously effervescent styles of wine has become Italy’s answer to Champagne. The Glera grape variety, which has become synonymous with the name Prosecco, is the main ingredient and is beloved in the appellation where the village of Prosecco’s name has become world renowned. The blurred boundary between Italy and the countries of Slovenia and Austria, where German influence still resonates through Friuli wines. The prevalence of Riesling and other such grape varietals is high in this region and have become extremely popular on today’s market. With nearly 702,000 hectares of grapevines covering the massive and diverse landscape, Italy’s annual average of 48.3 million hectoliters of wine production is second only to France in terms of volume and Spain in terms of hectares of vines. The country is vast and overwhelming when it comes to the culinary arts, but perhaps even this is overshadowed by its production of some of the world’s most sought after wines, whether the omnipresent Chianti to the highly collectible and sought after Amarone della Valpolicalla.
Region	Umbria : If you're looking for a hidden nook full of spirit, culture, history, good food and wine, look no further than Umbria. Though far from secret, especially in the last couple of decades, this little Italian dreamland is a medicine to all who visit it. The villages scattered along its gorgeous hills effervesce such peaceful ambiance that shows in the wines produced here. The lush white Orvieto is well-known by all serious wine enthusiasts. The grape that produces it comes in such variety in colors, sizes, and flavor, that each bottle of this wine seems to showcase a unique personality, each a little bit different and delicious in its own way. These wines are impossible to generalize; some are dry, delicious, focused and long, others sweet, luscious and spicy. Their characteristics vary greatly, like true siblings and not clones, which keeps the experience of sampling them fresh and interesting as you discover something new to enjoy each time you revisit them. If you'd still prefer a red wine, get acquainted with Sagrantino, an Umbrian native grape of staggering potency and depth. Dark, intense, with delicious blackberry and ripe cherry flavor profile and clear undergrowth secondaries, this attractive wine entices any audience lucky enough to sample it.