Antinori, Cervaro Della Sala 2018 Chardonnay, IGT Umbria

Antinori's Castello della Sala estate in Umbria boasts high altitude vineyards between 660-1325 feet above sea level on soils derived from sedimentary marine fossils mingled with clay stratas. Cervaro della Sala, the "flagship" wine of the estate, has earned important recognition and countless admirers. It is the only Italian wine to receive Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri Award every vintage it's been produced! It is a blend of Chardonnay and 8% Grechetto grapes, fermented and aged for five months in French oak barriques. It then matures in the bottles for about 10 months in the Medieval cellars of the Castle.

Wine Advocate scored this 96 points saying "Compared to the 2017 vintage that shows a more accessible and full-bodied style, the 2018 Cervaro della Sala is a classic edition—it's about as classic as I have ever tasted this landmark white from Umbria to be. This cooler vintage prizes finesse and elegance, and those traits are matched by efforts in the winery to accomplish that same goal. On many levels, the 2018 vintage opens a new chapter for Cervaro della Sala, with a stronger emphasis on preserved lemon, crisp pear and crushed mineral. The wine offers beautiful freshness and linearity. I must also mention that this vintage is released while the fruit is still a bit closed or shy. That slightly reductive approach bodes very well for the wine's future evolution."