Description
What kind of wine it is
Conte della Vipera from Castello della Sala is a white wine from Umbria, created from a harmonious blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. On the nose, it opens with lively notes of pink grapefruit, lychee, elderflower and hints of aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is agile and structured, supported by pronounced acidity and marked savouriness. The fruity sensations blend with a delicate mineral vein, leading the sip towards a clean and persistent finish with clear citrus notes. It expresses itself best when enhancing the flavour of raw seafood and fresh cheeses.
Where it comes from
The grapes for this blend come from the vineyards of the Castello della Sala estate, located a few kilometres from Orvieto. The rows grow on clay and limestone soil, at an altitude between two hundred and fifty and three hundred and fifty metres. The uniqueness of the terroir is defined by the significant presence of marine fossil sediments, a key element that gives the wine vibrant savouriness and a clear gustatory energy. The name itself pays homage to the Monaldeschi della Vipera, the first historic owners of the estate, closely linking the character of the wine to its place of origin.
How it is produced
The process begins with a rigorous manual harvest, starting in August with the Sauvignon Blanc and finishing in September with the Sémillon. The bunches are immediately cooled and gently pressed to preserve their aromatic integrity. After natural clarification, the must ferments in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures. The absence of malolactic fermentation, managed through constant temperature control, keeps the fruit's fragrance intact. The process concludes with ageing in steel, which gives the wine tension, linearity and great balance.
History and Curiosities
The Conte della Vipera, created in 1997 at the Umbrian estate Castello della Sala of Antinori, pays tribute to the Monaldeschi della Vipera family, the estate's ancient owners. The vineyards thrive at altitudes between 250 and 350 metres near Orvieto, on soils rich in marine fossils that give the wine a vibrant savouriness. The historical legacy of Ficulle is also reflected in the refined label, adorned with a detailed drawing of the Chapel of San Giovanni, dating back to the 13th century and located within the estate.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
08 - 10 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1940
- Oenologist: Massimiliano Pasquini
- Bottles produced: 866.586
- Hectares: 229
The estate’s 229 hectares (566 acres) of vineyards are located at an altitude of 220 - 470 meters above sea level (722-1542 feet) and are planted with traditional varieties such as Procanico and Grechetto but also with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sèmillon, Pinot Blanc, Viognier and a small quantity of Traminer and Riesling.
The region is exceptional for producing white varieties with one exception, Pinot Noir, that has found ideal conditions in this terroir to best express its full potential. The vines grow in clay and calcareous based soils, rich in fossil shells, and they are well exposed to the rising of the sun with an excellent difference of temperature between day and night. Read more
| Name | Castello della Sala Conte della Vipera 2024 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still |
| Denomination | Umbria IGT |
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | Sauvignon, Semillon |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Umbria |
| Vendor | Castello della Sala (Antinori) |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Conte della Vipera, created in 1997 at the Umbrian estate Castello della Sala of Antinori, pays tribute to the Monaldeschi della Vipera family, the estate's ancient owners. The vineyards thrive at altitudes between 250 and 350 metres near Orvieto, on soils rich in marine fossils that give the wine a vibrant savouriness. The historical legacy of Ficulle is also reflected in the refined label, adorned with a detailed drawing of the Chapel of San Giovanni, dating back to the 13th century and located within the estate. |
| Origin | Loc. Sala - Ficulle (TR), near Orvieto, Umbria, Italy |
| Soil composition | Clay and limestone-based soils, rich in fossil shells and marine fossil sediments |
| Harvest | From late August to mid-September |
| Fermentation temperature | Maximum 16 °C |
| Production technique | Hand-picked grapes cooled before pressing; gentle pressing; clarification of the must at 10°C; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks (maximum 16°C); storage at 10°C to prevent malolactic fermentation; blending after fermentation; ageing in stainless steel. |
| Wine making | Hand-picked grapes, immediately cooled before pressing; gentle pressing; clarification of the must at 10°C; alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature (not exceeding 16°C); storage of the wine at 10°C to prevent malolactic fermentation; blending of the varieties after fermentation; maturation in stainless steel. |
| Aging | Maturation in stainless steel at controlled temperature; wine kept at around 10°C to prevent malolactic fermentation; no ageing in wood. |
| Year production | 866586 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

