Antinori - Castello della Sala : Pinot Nero 2023

Tasting notes and characteristics of the Pinot Nero 2023 by Antinori - Castello della Sala

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a garnet-red hue, both bright and limpid.

Nose
The bouquet is generous and remarkably complex. It offers seductive floral notes reminiscent of violet and dried rose, intertwined with aromas of ripe red fruits such as crisp cherry and raspberry, enhanced by subtle hints of blood orange. Fine spicy nuances of pink pepper, coriander and clove round off the whole, accompanied by light balsamic notes and medicinal herbs.

Palate
The attack is dynamic, juicy and intense, carried by a superb freshness that draws the wine out. The texture is enveloping and elegant, supported by perfectly ripe, refined and silky tannins. The finish offers a beautiful, well-balanced persistence.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs wonderfully with savoury yet delicate dishes. It will be an ideal match for roast poultry with Mediterranean herbs, a breaded escalope, veal or a tender pork fillet. It will also work wonders with fresh pasta and wild mushrooms or with soft cheeses such as Brie, Coulommiers or a young Tomme.

Serving and cellaring

The Pinot Nero 2023 can be fully enjoyed today, but it also boasts excellent ageing potential, allowing it to be kept until around 2031. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of between 14 and 16 °C. A light decanting of around thirty minutes before serving can help open up its aromatics in its youth.

A high-altitude Pinot Nero of great elegance by Antinori - Castello della Sala

The estate

Acquired in 1940 by the renowned winegrowing family, the Antinori - Castello della Sala estate marks the starting point of a great modern winemaking project in Umbria. Now led by Albiera Antinori, who represents the twenty-sixth generation, this estate covers 600 hectares, including 229 hectares of vines. Historically recognised as a benchmark for its great high-altitude white wines, the estate also cultivates a remarkable red exception. Under the technical direction of Renzo Cotarella, this Umbria estate brilliantly combines oenological innovation with respect for an exceptional historic terroir.

The vineyard

Located within the Umbria IGT appellation, the vineyard dedicated to this cuvée covers a small plot of just 4 hectares. The vines are planted at over 400 metres above sea level, benefiting from excellent exposure to the rising sun. The highly draining soils are clay-limestone in nature and stand out for their richness in marine fossils, alternating with layers of sedimentary sands dating from the Pliocene.

The vintage

The 2023 season began with a mild winter and very low rainfall. In spring, the rains helped replenish water reserves, thereby slowing budbreak and vegetative growth. Flowering took place at the end of May, followed by fruit set a week later, marking a slight delay compared to the average. From mid-July to the end of August, warmer temperatures combined with significant day-night temperature swings encouraged slow, balanced ripening. The harvest began in the first week of September under very favourable weather conditions.

Winemaking and ageing

Upon arrival at the cellar, the grapes destined for the Pinot Nero 2023 were destemmed and gently crushed. They then underwent a three-day cold maceration in small truncated stainless steel vats. Alcoholic fermentation took place at a controlled temperature of 26 °C for around a week. The wine subsequently completed its malolactic fermentation and was aged for several months in 228-litre oak barrels. Finally, it benefited from further bottle ageing in the estate's historic cellars before release.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Nero.