About this winery

The Antinori family has been in the wine business since Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners in 1385 - more than 26 generations ago. Throughout the company's long history it has remained family owned and operated, and today it is directed by Marchese Piero Antinori. Though Antinori has played an important role in preserving Italy's enological traditions it is also one of Italy's most dynamic and visionary producers of fine wines, with estates concentrated in the...

See the Antinori Estates detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Muffato della Sala is produced with grapes with “noble rot”, harvested in late October and early November to allow the morning mists to develop of Botrytis Cinerea, or noble rot on the grape berries. This type of mould concentrates the water of the crop, its sugars, and its aromas, endowing the Muffato della Sala with a harmonious and unmistakable fragrance. The first year to be produced was the 1987 and consisted of the blend of varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc (50%); Grechetto (30%)and Drupeggio (20%). The composition of the blend has varied over the years and now has attained its definitive results. Muffato della Sala is a fascinating wine, an expression, in small quantities, of the nature of a unique terroir.

Production notes

Grapes were harvested from Castello della Sala’s vineyards, located at an altitude between 200 and 450 meters above sea level (656 and 1476 feet), in clay-based soils rich in marine fossils. All grapes were hand harvested and vineyard crews were sent out to pick individual vineyard parcels or even rows, returning multiple times, depending on the degree of ripeness of the grapes. Once the grapes were delivered to the winery, grape clusters were sorted for quality on conveyor belts. Before being gently crushed, grape clusters were not destemmed. Once the resulting must was pressed, it was fermented for 18 days at a controlled temperature of approximately 17 °C (63 °F). This sweet wine was transferred into French oak barriques (Alliers & Tronçais) where it aged for about 6 months, then continued to age in stainless steel tanks for an additional period of 2 years.

Tasting notes

Muffato della Sala is an intense, bright golden yellow color. Its nose has depth and complexity with striking citrus aromas that merge with delicate notes of peaches, dried apricots and saffron. The palate is mouth filling, sweet but not too sweet, with light savory sensations and a lengthy finish. Its well-balanced character can be savored immediately, or it can be left to age over time improving its aromatic complexity.