High in the rolling hills of Umbria, surrounded by cypress trees and ancient stone walls, lies Castello della Sala, one of Italy’s most enchanting wine estates. Founded in the 14th century and owned by the Antinori family since 1940, it has become a benchmark for Italian white wine. Here, medieval history meets modern craftsmanship, producing wines of freshness, precision and depth that rival the finest in Europe.
Just a few kilometres from Orvieto, Castello della Sala’s 500 hectares of vineyards sit between 200 and 450 metres above sea level. The soils are rich in fossils, clay and limestone, giving the wines their hallmark minerality and energy. Cool nights preserve acidity, while long, sunny days bring ripeness and aromatic complexity. The result is a range of wines that perfectly balance texture, fruit and elegance, embodying the Antinori family’s mastery of terroir and tradition.
Under the guidance of Renzo Cotarella, the estate’s long-time winemaker and CEO of Marchesi Antinori, Castello della Sala has evolved into a powerhouse of Italian fine white wine. Its portfolio bridges the gap between local heritage and international appeal, expressing Umbria’s potential through varieties such as Chardonnay, Grechetto and Sauvignon Blanc.
Wines Produced at Castello della Sala
Cervaro della Sala
First released in 1985, Cervaro della Sala is widely regarded as one of Italy’s greatest white wines. A blend of Chardonnay and a small proportion of Grechetto, it ferments partly in oak and undergoes malolactic conversion to add texture and complexity. The result is a wine of Burgundian refinement, combining ripe orchard fruit, hazelnut, and flinty minerality with the freshness of Umbria’s cool climate. Cervaro ages beautifully, gaining richness and nuance over time.
Bramìto della Sala
Often referred to as the “baby Cervaro,” Bramìto has long stepped out of that shadow to become a modern Italian classic in its own right. Made entirely from Chardonnay grown in younger vineyards, it captures the estate’s mineral elegance with added vibrancy and immediacy. Fermented partly in oak, it offers notes of pear, almond and citrus with a touch of creaminess, finishing long and saline. The 2024 vintage is a brilliant example, showing poise and clarity that over-deliver at its price point.
San Giovanni della Sala Orvieto Classico Superiore
This elegant Orvieto Classico blends Grechetto, Procanico, Pinot Bianco and Viognier, creating a wine that honours local tradition with a refined modern touch. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve aromatics, it displays delicate floral and citrus notes over a mineral core, representing the soul of Umbrian white wine.
Conte della Vipera
A lively blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this wine takes its name from one of the castle’s earliest owners. Bright and aromatic, it combines tropical fruit, elderflower and gooseberry with zesty acidity. Its style recalls the great whites of Bordeaux but with an unmistakable Umbrian flair.
Pinot Nero della Sala
Though Castello della Sala is famed for its whites, its small-production Pinot Nero is a hidden gem. Grown in cooler parcels at higher altitudes, it delivers fine red fruit, subtle spice and graceful structure, proving that this historic estate’s terroir can also craft beautifully balanced reds.
