San Giovanni della Sala Orvieto Classico Superiore is a refined white wine from the historic Castello della Sala estate, owned by the Antinori family in Umbria. This wine exemplifies a modern interpretation of the Orvieto Classico appellation, blending indigenous and international grape varieties to create a wine of elegance and complexity.
San Giovanni della Sala Orvieto Classico Superiore, Producer & Estate
Castello della Sala has been part of the Antinori family’s holdings since 1940 when Niccolò Antinori acquired the 14th-century medieval castle near Orvieto with the vision of producing white wines to rival the excellence of his Tuscan reds. That vision came to fruition in 1987 with the debut of Cervaro della Sala – now considered one of Italy’s defining white wines, as influential and coveted as the iconic Tignanello.
The estate is situated at an altitude of approximately 500 meters, providing an ideal microclimate for white grape varieties. The Antinori family’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their meticulous vineyard management and winemaking practices, which combine traditional methods with modern techniques.
San Giovanni della Sala Orvieto Classico Superiore, Grape Composition & Winemaking
Located over 400 metres above sea level, the vineyards sit within the Castello della Sala estate in the Umbrian Apennines, near the border with Tuscany. The soils are a unique mix of clay with sedimentary and volcanic origins, offering ideal conditions for growing refined, expressive grapes.
San Giovanni della Sala is crafted from a blend of 50% Grechetto, 25% Procanico (Trebbiano Toscano), and 25% combined Pinot Blanc and Viognier. The vineyards used for this wine have an intentionally low yield per hectare, allowing for greater concentration and quality in the fruit.
Each variety is fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their unique characteristics. A portion of the must undergoes cold maceration on the skins to enhance aromatic complexity. The wine is aged on the lees for several months before blending and bottling, which contributes to its structure and minerality.
San Giovanni della Sala Orvieto Classico Superiore 2023, Tasting Notes
The 2023 vintage presents a pale straw yellow colour with greenish highlights. The nose offers intense aromas of white flower blossoms and ripe peaches. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling and well-balanced, with a persistent finish supported by excellent freshness.
Food pairing suggestion: Spaghetti with caper and tomato sauce.
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