At a glance

Producer

Marchesi Antinori

Region

Umbria, Italy

Grape variety

Chardonnay, Grechetto

Wine type

White

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$55-80 USD per 750ml bottle

Tasting profile

Aromas of citrus, white flowers, peach, subtle toasted almond, and vanilla. Palate is elegant and rich, with minerality and persistent freshness.

Evolution: Nuanced tertiary notes of honey, flint, and hazelnut with age. Fresher notes yield to a creamier, complex finish.

At peak: Peak complexity expected between 2025-2028, with layers of orchard fruit, mineral, and integrated oak.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, vibrant

Tannins

None (white wine), structural grip from oak and phenolic extraction

Alcohol

Medium to medium-plus (typically 13-13.5%)

Aging potential

Excellent for an Italian white; 8-10 years possible in top vintages, 5-8 years typical

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Youthful, highly approachable but built to age

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, with impressive structure for mid-term aging

Cervaro della Sala is designed to evolve beautifully for 5-8 years after vintage, gaining nutty, complex, mineral notes while retaining acidity. The 2022 vintage's balance suggests its best drinking will be after 2-6 years, when the oak integrates fully and secondary complexity emerges.

Food pairing

Excellent with roasted poultry, creamy seafood, lobster, truffle dishes, mature cheeses, and rich pasta with white sauce.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focused on integrated pest management, water reuse, solar energy use, reduced chemical inputs, natural grassing in vineyards, light-weight bottles, and responsible packaging.

Antinori implements numerous sustainability initiatives, including VIVA certification (environmental assessment and reporting), water conservation, and renewable energy in production. However, they are not certified organic or biodynamic. Heavy packaging is minimized and vineyard biodiversity promoted. Global transportation (especially air freight) raises carbon impact for non-European markets, but local sourcing in Italy is sustainable by design. Overall, Cervaro della Sala sets a strong example within conventional Italian premium wine, but does not reach the pinnacle of sustainability due to absence of stricter third-party certification.