Pinot Nero della Sala 2021

Piero Antinori and Renzo Cotarella decided to plant Chardonnay in Castello della Sala after a trip to Burgundy. In Burgundy in addition to Chardonnay also Pinot Noir is grown and therefore it was natural to try this grape as well. The first pure Pinot Noir of Castello della Sala was made in 1990 and it was successful. The limestone soils rich in ancient fossils with a sandy surface are in fact congenial to Pinot Noir and the altitude of the vineyard, over 400 meters above sea level, guarantees temperatures that are not too hot.

Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grape varieties to grow, it hates too hot climates and fears humidity. It is very sensitive. But when it meets favorable conditions, then it turns into some of the most elegant wines in the world. In the highest vineyards of Castello della Sala, not far from the city of Orvieto, a land traditionally suited for white wines, Pinot Noir has found a suitable habitat.

The 2017 vintage was hot and dry and the Pinot Noir harvest took place between the end of August and the beginning of September.

The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. The beginning of alcoholic fermentation is preceded by a cold maceration of 3 days; then the grapes ferment in small conical stainless-steel vats at a controlled temperature. After a week the wine is moved into barriques where the alcoholic fermentation ends and the malolactic fermentation also takes place. The wine ages in barriques for 10 months.