Castello della Sala (Antinori) Pinot Nero della Sala 2016 750ml

You wouldn’t immediately associate sunny and landlocked Umbria as a land of Pinot Noir cultivation, but this effort from Castello della Sala presents a convincing argument for this particular pairing of grape and territory. The 2016 Pinot Nero opens to a beautiful ruby color and delivers aromas that are very characteristic of the variety, such as blue flower, wild cherry and orange peel. However, there is a distinctively Mediterranean or Italian signature to this wine with garden herb and rosemary essence. I remember the 2015 vintage being slightly more closed when I tasted that wine on release. This 2016 vintage sings loud straight from the start.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Umbria
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world’s most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means ‘black pine’ in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.