Antinori Cervaro della Sala IGT Chardonnay Grechetto 2022

Antinori’s flagship white from Castello della Sala in Umbria continues its reputation as one of Italy’s most elegant Chardonnay-based blends. The 2022 Cervaro della Sala balances ripe citrus and mineral tension with layers of oak-driven complexity, though the barrel influence runs slightly heavy-handed.

Very Good

90

Our Rating

Price
$ 0
Regions

Umbria IGT

Varietal

White Blend

Table of Contents

Few Italian whites command the global reputation of Cervaro della Sala, first introduced by Marchesi Antinori in 1985. Sourced from the historic Castello della Sala estate, the wine represents the family’s dedication to international varietals expressed through an Umbrian lens.

Producer Background

The Antinori family has been producing wine for more than 600 years, making it one of the most established names in Italy. Known for innovations that blend tradition with modern winemaking, Cervaro della Sala was among the first Italian whites to undergo malolactic fermentation and barrel aging, setting a benchmark for Italian Chardonnay.

Vineyard / Source

The grapes are sourced from Castello della Sala, a 500-hectare estate located just outside Orvieto in Umbria. The vineyards sit at an elevation of 220–470 meters above sea level, where limestone-rich soils contribute to the wine’s signature minerality.

Winemaking & Production

  • Vinification: Fermentation partly in stainless steel, partly in oak barrels 
  • Aging: Chardonnay aged in French oak for several months; Grechetto matured in stainless steel to preserve freshness 
  • Style: Combining Burgundian barrel influence with Umbrian terroir expression

Vintage Context

The 2022 vintage in Umbria was marked by a warm growing season, producing whites with ripe fruit concentration. For Cervaro, this translated into a fuller-bodied profile, with slightly elevated oak notes compared to cooler years like 2020.

 

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Clear, pale lemon with green hues and medium(+) viscosity.
Aromas: Light intensity of wet gravel, lemon, lime, and pear, alongside subtle floral hints of acacia.
Palate: Dry, with medium(+) acidity, low tannin, and full body. Flavors of lemon, lime, vanilla, butter, and oak dominate, balanced by mineral notes. The oak is present and leans into richness, with hazelnut and spice on the mid-palate.
Finish: Long, persistent, and well-balanced, though the oak slightly overshadows fruit purity.

In Conclusion

The 2022 Antinori Cervaro della Sala demonstrates why this wine remains a benchmark Italian white. While oak plays a dominant role in this vintage, the underlying citrus, mineral, and textural elements showcase the estate’s terroir. A wine that bridges Italy’s winemaking tradition with international sophistication.

Country

Italy

Regions

Umbria IGT

Varietal

White Blend

Alcohol

13

Winemaker

Renzo Cotarella

Decant

N/A

DRINK

N/A

Winery

Castello Della Sala

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