Bramìto, Castello della Sala 2024 75cl

Bramìto is the little brother of one of Italy's most admired Chardonnays, Antinori's Cervaro della Sala, and it shares a good deal of that pedigree at a fraction of the price. The 2024 comes from Castello della Sala, the family's estate in the green hills of Umbria, and it shows just how well Chardonnay can perform in central Italy.

Castello della Sala sits near Orvieto, where cool hillside vineyards and calcareous soils give whites of freshness and precision. Bramìto — full name Bramìto della Sala — is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, though the oak is used with a light hand to build texture rather than to dominate. This is Antinori applying its considerable skill to Burgundy's grape on Italian soil.

Expect ripe yellow peach and pear, a squeeze of citrus, and a subtle layer of hazelnut, vanilla and toasted brioche from the barrel work. The palate is rounded and creamy yet kept fresh by clean acidity, finishing long with a savoury, mineral edge. There is real elegance here — poised rather than showy.

At around £26 this is a smartly made Chardonnay that drinks well above its price. Delicious now, it will hold and gain a little complexity over the next two to three years if you prefer.

How to Serve

Serve at 10–12°C in a Chardonnay or all-purpose white glass — a little warmer than a crisp white lets the texture show. No decant needed.

Where to Drink It

The River Café, Hammersmith — for serious Italian whites. Locanda Locatelli, Marylebone — a refined setting to match. Bocca di Lupo, Soho — for the antipasti and primi.

Food Pairings

Beautiful with roast chicken and a lemon-and-herb butter. It also pairs happily with a creamy pumpkin risotto.