Badia A Coltibuono Vin Santo 375ml Luekens Wine & Spirits

Cover Vin Santo at Easter and All Year Round Wine Spice (1600x976)

Table of Contents

• What is Vin Santo Wine?
• What Grapes Are Used to Make Vin Santo Wine?
• How is Vin Santo Wine Made?
• How is Vin Santo Wine Aged?
• What are the Best Food Pairings with Vin Santo Wine?

What is Vin Santo Wine?

Vin Santo is a sweet dessert wine that is traditional to the Tuscany region of Italy. The name "Vin Santo" means "holy wine" in Italian, and the wine is often used in religious ceremonies. Vin Santo wine is made from grapes that are left to dry in the sun before being pressed, which results in a higher concentration of sugar in the grape juice. The wine is then aged in small barrels for several years, which gives it a unique flavor profile.

What Grapes Are Used to Make Vin Santo Wine?

The grapes used to make Vin Santo wine can vary depending on the region where it is produced, but the most common grapes used are Trebbiano and Malvasia. These grapes are white and are known for their high acidity and sugar content, which makes them ideal for producing sweet dessert wines like Vin Santo. In some cases, other grape varieties may be blended with Trebbiano and Malvasia to create a more complex flavor profile.

How is Vin Santo Wine Made?

The process of making Vin Santo wine is quite unique and requires a lot of patience. The grapes are left to dry in the sun on straw mats or in special dry rooms for several months. This process, known as appassimento, causes the grapes to lose moisture and concentrate their sugar content. Once the grapes are dry, they are pressed and the resulting juice is placed in small barrels made of oak or chestnut wood. The barrels are then sealed and left to age for several years without any intervention. During this time, a layer of yeast called "flor" develops on the surface of the wine, which helps to prevent oxidation and contributes to the unique flavor of the wine.

How is Vin Santo Wine Aged?

Vin Santo wine is typically aged for at least three years, but some producers may age it for up to ten years or more. The small barrels used to age the wine are called "caratelli" and are made of oak or chestnut wood. The barrels are filled about three-quarters of the way full with the wine and then sealed with a bung. The wine is then left to age in a cool, dark place for several years. During this time, the wine takes on the flavors of the wood and develops a rich, amber color. The longer the wine is aged, the more complex its flavor profile becomes.

What are the Best Food Pairings with Vin Santo Wine?

Vin Santo wine is typically served as a dessert wine and pairs well with a variety of sweet foods. Some classic pairings include biscotti, cantucci (an almond biscuit), and panforte (a dense, spiced fruitcake). The wine also pairs well with blue cheese and other strong, salty cheeses. In addition to desserts, Vin Santo wine can also be served as an aperitif or with foie gras.

Conclusion

Vin Santo wine is a unique and delicious dessert wine that is steeped in tradition. Made from grapes that have been left to dry in the sun, the wine has a high concentration of sugar and is aged in small barrels for several years. The resulting wine is rich, complex, and perfect for pairing with a variety of sweet foods. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious dessert wine to try, Vin Santo is definitely worth seeking out.