Muffato della Sala Antinori 2019

Muffato della Sala Antinori is made from botrytised grapes harvested in late October - early November, to allow the morning mists to favour the development of Botrytis Cinerea or 'noble rot' on the grapes. This mould reduces the water content of the grapes and concentrates the sugars and aromas, giving Muffato della Sala a harmonious and unmistakable flavour. The first vintage was 1987 and was composed of varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc (50%), Grechetto (30%) and Drupeggio (20%). Subsequently, the composition changed to the current one. Muffato della Sala is a fascinating wine, an expression of a unique terroir, with very limited quantities. The vineyards are situated between 200 and 450 metres above sea level on clay soils rich in marine fossils.

Vinification
The harvest began in mid-October with the Traminer, continued with the Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and concluded in early November with the Grechetto. The grapes are harvested by hand, returning to the same vineyard several times depending on the condition of the grapes. After transfer to the cellar, the bunches were further sorted on a sorting belt. This was followed by a light crushing without destemming. After pressing, the must fermented for 18 days at a temperature of approximately 17 °C.

Refinement
The resulting wine, still sweet, was transferred to French oak barrels (Alliers & Tronçais) where it matured for about 6 months before continuing to age in steel for a further 2 years.

Awards and Recognition
Year 2014 - Guida Vitae AIS - 4 Viti
Year 2014 - Robert Parker - 92 Punti
Year 2014 - Guida Bibenda - 4 Grappoli
Year 2015 - James Suckling - 92 Punti
Year 2016 - Guida Bibenda - 5 Grappoli
Year 2016 - Luca Maroni - 96 punti