Italy is known for her wines and is particularly well-regarded for great dessert wines made all over Italy. One of the most famous of these wines is Vin Santo. Vin Santo is made in many parts of Italy, but the best comes from Tuscany. There are three recognized DOC’s in Tuscany for Vin Santo. They are Vin Santo del Chianti (created in 1997), Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (1995) and Vin Santo di Montepulciano (1996). Many sub-par versions are made elsewhere but these are the ones that you should try and taste if visiting Tuscany. Why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and try all three on your trip?
The name Vin Santo literally means “saint wine”. There are several theories about the origins of the name but the wine’s history certainly goes back to at least the Middle Ages.
One legend tells that the wine was leftover wine from Mass and was given to the ill by a friar in the fourteenth century, becoming known as “santo” thereafter. Another story tells of a patriarch of the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church, John Bessarion, who was tasting wine at the 1349 Ecumenical Council of Florence.
One legend tells that the wine was leftover wine from Mass and was given to the ill by a friar in the fourteenth century, becoming known as “santo” thereafter. Another story tells of a patriarch of the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church, John Bessarion, who was tasting wine at the 1349 Ecumenical Council of Florence.
He was served the local wine called Vin Pretto (“pure wine”). It is said that he noted that the wine was from Xanthos or used the word Xantho, Greek for “yellow”. Locals heard the word “santo” and liked the sound of “holy wine” so they adopted it. However, another suggestion is that the process of making the wine traditionally began on All Saints Day or that bottling traditionally started around Easter during Holy Week, making it a “holy” wine.
Made from a blend of white grapes, specifically Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, with the occasional use of Grechetto, there is both a white and red version, called Occhio di Pernice.
The best of Vin Santo is made using old and traditional methods in which the grapes are harvested and dried for three to six months in a traditional method by being laid out in the sun to raisin. The grapes are vinified into small barrels made from cedar or oak which are filled 90% full to allow for the wine making process and a yeast mixture is added.
The DOC rules require at least three years of barrel ageing, and even longer time periods for the Riservas. The barrels are stored in hot attics rather than being kept in cool cellars. The whole process is a bit of a gamble as, once the barrels are opened, the wine may not turn out well. If they have succeeded, though, they will have produced a sweet, slightly oxidized wine which amber in color with scents of nuts, toffee and raisins. In addition to the raisin and toffee notes, there is a crisp acidity and it will be viscous in texture.
With some Italian desserts, sitting outside and enjoying the beauty of Tuscany, Vin Santo is just the thing to perfect a holiday!
Made from a blend of white grapes, specifically Trebbiano Toscano and Malvasia, with the occasional use of Grechetto, there is both a white and red version, called Occhio di Pernice.
The best of Vin Santo is made using old and traditional methods in which the grapes are harvested and dried for three to six months in a traditional method by being laid out in the sun to raisin. The grapes are vinified into small barrels made from cedar or oak which are filled 90% full to allow for the wine making process and a yeast mixture is added.
The DOC rules require at least three years of barrel ageing, and even longer time periods for the Riservas. The barrels are stored in hot attics rather than being kept in cool cellars. The whole process is a bit of a gamble as, once the barrels are opened, the wine may not turn out well. If they have succeeded, though, they will have produced a sweet, slightly oxidized wine which amber in color with scents of nuts, toffee and raisins. In addition to the raisin and toffee notes, there is a crisp acidity and it will be viscous in texture.
With some Italian desserts, sitting outside and enjoying the beauty of Tuscany, Vin Santo is just the thing to perfect a holiday!
Photo credits
picture 1: McPig / CC BY 2.0;
picture 2: Gabriele Cantini / CC BY 2.0
picture 1: McPig / CC BY 2.0;
picture 2: Gabriele Cantini / CC BY 2.0