Description
What type of wine it is
Conte della Vipera from Castello della Sala is a refined white wine with an Umbria IGT (Typical Geographical Indication) classification, born from a harmonious blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon fermented and aged in stainless steel. On the nose, vibrant notes of pink grapefruit and hints of tropical fruit emerge, intertwined with delicate nuances of white flowers. On the palate, it shows an agile and dynamic structure, guided by a pronounced acidity and a deep mineral savouriness that provide gustatory tension. The finish, clean and persistent, makes it ideal for pairing with raw seafood, shellfish and fresh cheeses while fully respecting their natural delicacy.
Where it comes from
The grapes grow in the vineyards of the Castello della Sala estate, located among the hills of Umbria near Orvieto. The vines sit between 250 and 350 metres above sea level, benefiting from excellent exposure and a marked diurnal temperature range. The identity of the terroir is defined by clay and limestone soils, enriched by marine fossil sediments, a geological element that gives the wine an unmistakable savoury energy. The name of the cuvée pays tribute to the Monaldeschi della Vipera, the first historical owners of the property, binding it firmly to its territory of origin.
How it is produced
The winemaking begins with a careful manual harvest, picking the Sauvignon Blanc first and then the Sémillon at distinct times. Upon arrival at the cellar, the bunches are cooled and subjected to gentle pressing to protect the aromatic profile. After natural clarification, fermentation in stainless steel tanks follows at controlled temperatures. The two varieties are then blended, while malolactic fermentation is inhibited by keeping the wine cold. The final ageing in stainless steel ensures the preservation of freshness and clear varietal expression.
History and curiosities
Created in 1997, Conte della Vipera pays tribute to the ancient Monaldeschi family, the historic owners of the Castello della Sala estate in Umbria, owned by the Antinori family. The centuries-old heritage of Ficulle lives on in the label, embellished with a depiction of the 13th-century Chapel of San Giovanni. The vineyards thrive at altitudes between 250 and 350 metres on soils rich in marine fossil sediments, which give the wine a vibrant mineral savouriness.
Tasting notes
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 2025 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still |
| Denomination | Umbria IGT |
| Vintage | 2025 |
| 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 Created in 1997, Conte della Vipera pays tribute to the ancient Monaldeschi family, the historic owners of the Castello della Sala estate in Umbria, owned by the Antinori family. The centuries-old heritage of Ficulle lives on in the label, embellished with a depiction of the 13th-century Chapel of San Giovanni. The vineyards thrive at altitudes between 250 and 350 metres on soils rich in marine fossil sediments, which give the wine a vibrant mineral savouriness. |
| Origin | Sala - Ficulle (TR), near Orvieto, Umbria, Italy |
| Climate | Temperate climate with a wide temperature range |
| 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 | Manual harvesting; cooling of the grapes before pressing; soft pressing; natural clarification of the musts at 10 °C; alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks (maximum 16 °C); storage at 10 °C to prevent malolactic fermentation; blending after fermentation; ageing in stainless steel. |
| Wine making | Grapes hand-picked and immediately cooled before pressing; gentle pressing; clarification of the musts 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; ageing in stainless steel. |
| Aging | Ageing in stainless steel at a controlled temperature; wine stored at approximately 10 °C to prevent malolactic fermentation; no ageing in wood. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

