What kind of wine is Umbria Bianco IGT “Muffato della Sala” 2023 - Castello della Sala (0.5l)

The Umbria Bianco IGT “Muffato della Sala” 2023 - Castello della Sala (0.5l) is a sweet and refined wine, an expression of the historic Castello della Sala estate, owned by the Antinori family, nestled among the Umbrian hills near Orvieto. It is born from a skilful blend of white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, Traminer, and Riesling, harvested when the grapes are naturally "botrytized," meaning attacked by Botrytis cinerea or "noble rot," which concentrates their sugars and aromas.

The result is a sweet wine with an elegant, aromatic, and mineral profile, a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness, with a sinuous structure that tells the magic of its Umbrian terroir.

Details of the vintage

The 2023 vintage in Umbria was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with moderate summer temperatures and good day-night temperature swings, essential for preserving aromas and acidity in white wines. The slightly humid and foggy autumn created ideal conditions for the development of noble rot on the bunches, allowing for grapes of extraordinary sugar and aromatic concentration.

Vinification and aging

The harvest of botrytized grapes usually takes place in early November, when the noble rot has completed its work of dehydrating and concentrating the fruit. Fermentation proceeds slowly at a controlled temperature, to preserve the most delicate fruity and floral notes. This is followed by a long aging of about six months in French oak barriques, where the wine acquires complexity and finesse, without losing its natural freshness.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a luminous golden yellow, almost amber, a sign of the concentration and maturity of the botrytized grapes.

Nose

On the nose, it offers an intense and persuasive bouquet: acacia honey, candied fruit, apricot, and citrus notes blend with delicate hints of vanilla and saffron from the wood aging. With aeration, elegant mineral nuances emerge, reminiscent of its original terroir.

Palate

On the palate, it is velvety and harmonious, with sweetness balanced by a lively acidity and a pleasant minerality. The sip is long and persistent, leaving a sensation of freshness and cleanliness that invites another taste. A meditation wine, but also surprisingly versatile for pairings.

What dishes to pair with Umbria Bianco IGT “Muffato della Sala” 2023 - Castello della Sala (0.5l)

The Umbria Bianco IGT “Muffato della Sala” 2023 - Castello della Sala (0.5l) is ideal with fruit-based desserts or dry pastries, but it can also be extraordinary with savory dishes and blue cheeses.

• Perfect with foie gras, tarts with jams, or apricot tarts.
• Excellent with blue cheeses like Roquefort or sweet Gorgonzola.
• Also interesting with sweet and sour dishes or oriental cuisines that play on contrasting flavors.

Storage and aging: how to store Umbria Bianco IGT “Muffato della Sala” 2023 - Castello della Sala (0.5l) wine

This sweet wine is delicate and should be stored with care. It is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature and the bottle lying down to keep the cork moist. Although it can evolve pleasantly over time, developing increasingly complex aromas, the ideal consumption is within 2-3 years of the vintage to best appreciate its freshness and aromatic vitality.