So what is Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC?
Vin Santo is a very traditional rich and exotic style of wine which can be traced back to at least the 14th Century in Tuscany. Vin Santo del Classico DOC comes from a specific area within the classic Chianti area. Vin Santo is traditional in that it´s made using native grapes Malvasia and Trebbiano which are partially dried – similarly to the process used to make Amarone in Valpolicella. The grapes are then pressed and their extra sweet juice is poured into small barrels. The fermentation is very slow because the grapes have so much sugar, however after fermentation, the wine is matured in small barrels which can be made from a range of different types of wood including acacia, chestnut, cherry and oak. The wine stay completely sealed in these barrels for 5 years, and during this time a large range of flavours develop including caramel, citrus peel, dried apricots, roasted nuts and baking spice, as well as white chocolate.. The high level of sugar and/or alcohol that remains in the wine, together with the high acidity ensure that the wine can age well over many years.
Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is one of my favourite sweet wines. I love the rich exotic and complex nature of this wine combined with the tradition and history. In terms of style to some extent it can be compared to Madeira.
