Castello della Sala, Umbria IGT (Italy) 2018

 Castello della Sala is one of the Antinori family’s many wine estates.  It is located in Umbria, the landlocked region surrounded by Tuscany, Marche and Lazio.  Probably the most recognized wine from Umbria is Orvieto, a white wine made from Grechetto and Trebbiano.   This winery makes an Orvieto, but Conte della Vipera is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, a traditional blend in Graves or Pessac-Léognan in France.  The grapes were processed separately to maximize varietal aromas by chilling before pressing.  After controlled temperature fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was kept at low temperature to block malolactic fermentation to maintain the fruit flavors and crispness of the acidity.  Then, the finished Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon wines were combined to become one.  It is a very elegant wine with a pale shimmering yellow color.  Delicate aromas of white grapefruit, citrus zest and notes of tarragon proceed the pure and precise flavors of green apple, pear, lemon and notes of citrus zest and tarragon.  It is crisp, lean and focused and will complement baked white fish such as halibut, sushi or fresh goat cheese.