Antinori - Castello della Sala : Conte della Vipera 2024

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Conte della Vipera 2024 by Antinori - Castello della Sala

Tasting

Appearance

The wine reveals a bright straw-yellow robe, enhanced by delicate light green highlights.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet is intense and complex, dominated by fruity notes of pink grapefruit, lychee, lime and pineapple, all subtly complemented by floral and herbaceous touches.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its elegance, liveliness and remarkable freshness. The balance is perfect, leading to a long and refined finish that lets flavours of passion fruit, citrus and a delicate minerality express themselves.

Food and wine pairings

This cuvée pairs wonderfully with grilled, baked or steamed fish, as well as with seafood such as oysters and clams. It will also brilliantly accompany seafood risottos, dishes based on spring vegetables such as asparagus, poultry in cream sauce or semi-hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve the Conte della Vipera 2024 at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. Endowed with fine potential, this wine can be enjoyed until around 2034.

The elegance and freshness of a great white wine from Umbria

The estate

Acquired in 1940 by Marquis Niccolò Antinori, the Antinori - Castello della Sala estate traces its historical origins back to 1350. Located in Umbria, this magnificent property extends over 600 hectares, of which 229 are dedicated to viticulture. Today led by Albiera Antinori, who embodies the new generation of the family, the estate has established itself as an essential name in the world of great Italian white wines. The domain skilfully combines a centuries-old heritage with viticultural practices resolutely focused on innovation and sustainability.

The vineyard

Located in the Umbria region, the vineyard from which this cuvée originates thrives at an altitude ranging between 250 and 350 metres. The vines benefit from a singular terroir, characterised by clay-limestone soils particularly rich in marine fossils inherited from the Pliocene era. This privileged geographical setting offers significant thermal amplitudes between day and night, thus fostering the aromatic development of the berries. The estate is also committed to a sustainable agriculture approach to preserve its ecosystem.

The vintage

The 2024 season began with a mild winter and customary rainfall. Spring, moderately rainy and slightly cooler than normal, allowed excellent water reserves to be built up while ensuring even bud break and growth of the vines. Flowering took place in early June, followed by fruit set. The summer, hot and stable, was marked by strong thermal contrasts between day and night, ensuring slow and gradual ripening. The harvest, spread from late August to mid-September, yielded healthy, perfectly ripe grapes with a beautiful balance.

Winemaking and aging

The grape clusters destined for the Conte della Vipera 2024 are hand-harvested and immediately cooled in the cellar to preserve their aromas. After gentle pressing, the must is kept at 10°C for several hours for natural clarification. Alcoholic fermentation then takes place in stainless steel tanks at a temperature not exceeding 16°C. The wine is subsequently stored at 10°C to block malolactic fermentation and retain all its freshness before the final blending.

Grape varieties

This Italian wine is the result of a meticulous blend composed of approximately 80% Sauvignon Blanc, bringing fine verticality and fresh notes, and 20% Sémillon, which softens the whole with its tropical fruit nuances.