A great red (really great) that comes from a land normally dedicated to the production of white wines. Impossible? Not for Marchesi Antinori who, in the Umbrian estate of Castello della Sala, alongside the typical white grape varieties also cultivate the noblest of international reds, Pinot Noir. There are a total of 4 hectares of vineyards that run along the hillside, dividing into terraces and drawing sinuous, soft lines. The secret lies in the particular climate of the Castello, which initially forced the agronomists to devise a way to protect the grapes from the summer sun. The shoots, therefore, are stretched and folded over the plant so that the leaves can shade the grapes. A long and demanding job that, however, is amply repaid when one has the chance to uncork a bottle of this 'Antinori red'. Pinot Nero della Sala has a brilliant garnet red colour. The nose is delicate, with sensations of spices that combine with notes of violets, roses and aromas of small red fruits. In the mouth it is soft and savoury, with refined, silky, sweet tannins and a long, balanced finish. A wine that is ready immediately, it undoubtedly has great ageing potential.