San Giovanni, Orvieto Classico Superiore 2022

The 2022 Orvieto Classico Superiore San Giovanni della Sala is spicy and mineral in style, opening with a burst of crushed stones and sour citrus complicated by savory herbal tones. This mixes vividly ripe orchard fruits with candied lime and a salty flourish over a core of vibrant acidity. It finishes with tremendous length, leaving a grapefruit and sweet minty tinge as the mouth is left watering for more. What a treat. You can count the best Orvieto producers on one hand. Castello della Sala undoubtedly ranks among them. The level of quality and value this estate provides continues to surprise. Any lover of traditional Orvieto, but also Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, owes it to themselves to explore the Castello della Sala portfolio. Estate Director Massimiliano Pasquini oversees 240 hectares of vines across a property of 600 hectares, which also includes a modern-day winery and the ancient barrel aging cellars beneath the castle itself. These cellars still host the winery's vast library of current and old vintages slowly refining in barrels. Castello della Sala’s vineyards span from 220-500 meters above sea level and are planted in a blend of clay and calcareous-based soils rich in fossil shells. The Cervaro della Sala and Bramìto della Sala continue to be huge standouts and a perfect example of the heights that Chardonnay can reach in this region.

Score: 91

Eric Guido, Vinous.com Maturity: 2023-2029 01 July 2023