Marchesi Antinori, Bramito Della Sala Chardonnay, 2021

The estate started producing innovative wines from non-traditional grape varieties (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) back in the 1980s’, under the direction of Marchese Piero Antinori, son of Niccolò, and Renzo Cotarella, Castello della Sala’s enologist at that time. The Umbrian estate has always posed – and still continues to pose to date – a continuous challenge for Marchesi Antinori who has dedicated years of research and experimentation in viticulture and oenology to maximize the potential of indigenous varieties and also to determine how the area’s microclimates contribute to the production of contemporary wines.

The Bramito Della Sala is the estate’s 100% Chardonnay and its first vintage dates back to 1994. The grapes are from younger Chardonnay vines on the estate, sitting on soils rich in fossil deposits with veins of clay that give this wine minerality and elegance. The juice is only part barrel fermented, with malolactic fermentation lending a luscious creamy texture and flavour to the wine.

“Bramito della Sala is the estate’s delicious second wine, made from 100% Chardonnay and is yet again ludicrously good value in 2021. Made from the younger vines at the estate, the Bramito combines notes of fresh apple and citrus with a wonderfully textured palate. Extremely quaffable, this is always a highlight at tastings, especially when Club Members see the price!”
Luke, Wine Guru