Wines Unspecified Castello della Sala - Cervaro - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Cervaro della Sala 2020 from Castello della Sala is a distinguished white blend hailing from the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy. This cuvée is composed primarily of Chardonnay, complemented by a proportion of Grechetto, two varieties that together lend the wine both elegance and character. The 2020 vintage benefited from favourable conditions—cool spring temperatures and sufficient rainfall followed by a warm, even summer, leading to grapes with excellent balance and vibrant acidity. The vinification entails careful selection of the bunches, fermentation part in barriques for added texture and complexity, and subsequent ageing on lees which enriches the wine’s aromatic profile and imparts notable depth. The result is a luminous, straw-yellow wine with aromas of ripe citrus, white flowers, stone fruit, and subtle hints of vanilla and hazelnut, underscored by a persistent mineral backbone.

The region of Umbria, often described as the “green heart” of Italy, is renowned for its undulating terrain and clay-limestone soils, which are ideal for cultivating premium white grapes. The continental climate, with marked diurnal temperature variation, ensures the preservation of freshness and aromatic intensity in the wines. Historically, Umbria’s winemaking traditions stretch back to Etruscan times, and Castello della Sala itself embodies centuries of viticultural heritage and innovation, today firmly established as a benchmark for Italian whites.

Cervaro della Sala lends itself beautifully to a variety of gastronomic pairings. Its richness and layered complexity are a fine match for delicate seafood risottos, grilled turbot, or scallops with beurre blanc. It also pairs superbly with poultry in a creamy sauce, or even local Umbrian specialities such as truffle-infused tagliolini or a lightly aged pecorino cheese.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, around 10-12°C. Allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass will help reveal its full aromatic range. Cervaro della Sala 2020 can also benefit from a short decanting, enhancing its expressive bouquet and refined palate.