LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Vin Santo del Chianti DOC, a jewel from Tuscany, is a testament to the region's dedication to preserving time-honored winemaking traditions. This distinctive dessert wine is deeply rooted in the rolling hills and historic vineyards of the Chianti region, where the Mediterranean climate and nutrient-rich soil harmonize to produce wines of outstanding quality.
Central to the success of Vin Santo are the grapes that imbue the wine with its rich flavors and character. The red grape Sangiovese, the cornerstone of many celebrated Tuscan wines, is most widely cultivated in the region. While it lends depth and structure, it is the white grape varieties, predominantly Malvasia and Trebbiano, that truly shape Vin Santo’s identity. These grapes, once harvested, are traditionally dried on straw mats, concentrating their sugars and flavors, before undergoing a slow fermentation process.
The environment in which these grapes thrive is crucial. Chianti's varied topography, marked by rolling hills and river valleys, coupled with its moderate climate, serves as the perfect backdrop for the growth and maturation of these grape varieties. The cool winds, warm sun, and occasional rains contribute to the unique terroir, which is palpable in every sip of Vin Santo.
In conclusion, Vin Santo del Chianti DOC is not just a wine; it's an embodiment of the Chianti region's history, culture, and dedication to the art of winemaking. Every bottle tells a story of the land and the passionate people who craft it.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Vin Santo del Chianti DOC covers some mountainous areas near the Apennines in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pistoia, Pisa, Prato and Siena. Here, the Consorzio Vino Chianti is key to ensuring the high-quality levels of all the wines produced under the denomination.
The region has a climate that varies from humid to sub-humid. Annual rainfall averages 867 mm, more concentrated in November. For this reason, there is often a water shortage in summer, so supplemental irrigation is necessary. The highest temperatures are recorded in August, with an average of over 23°C, while the lowest temperatures are usually recorded in January, with an average of 5°C
The soil of this DOC can be classified into four different systems according to its age:
Most Planted Red Grape Varieties: Sangiovese
Most Planted White Grape Varieties: Malvasia, Trebbiano
The Vin Santo del Chianti DOC is a realm of exquisite and revered Italian dessert wines, celebrated for their time-honored production methods and captivating flavors. Within this esteemed region, three distinguished expressions—Vin Santo, Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice, and Vin Santo Riserva—capture the essence of history and craftsmanship.
Vin Santo is a golden elixir crafted from a harmonious blend of Malvasia Bianca Lunga and Trebbiano Toscano, along with other authorized grapes. This sweet nectar undergoes a patient transformation, aging for approximately three years in wooden barrels. The result is a wine that embodies complexity, with notes of dried fruits, honey, and nuts, accompanied by a luscious, lingering finish.
Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice, a jewel of the Vin Santo world, carves its path with a minimum of 50% Sangiovese grapes, intertwined with other authorized varieties. The grape composition imbues this wine with a rosy hue, reminiscent of a delicate sunset. Just like its counterpart, it matures for around three years in barrels, developing layers of flavors that evoke rose petals, red berries, and a touch of spice.
Among these treasures, the Vin Santo Riserva stands as a testament to patience and dedication. Comprising a minimum of 70% Malvasia Bianca Lunga and/or Trebbiano Toscano, this wine ages for approximately four years in barrels, resulting in a symphony of flavors and aromas. Rich and opulent, it presents a masterful balance between sweetness and complexity, showcasing hints of caramel, dried apricots, and toasted almonds.
The Vin Santo trio from the Chianti region represents a labor of love that spans generations. These wines invite us to savor the passage of time and indulge in the artistry of winemaking. As each sip transports us to the heart of Tuscany, we embrace the legacy and craftsmanship that define the Vin Santo del Chianti DOC, a realm where grapes become liquid poetry.
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