Is Vin Santo made from dried grapes?
Appassita: ap-pas-SEE-tah. From appassire — to wither/dry. Stress on the third syllable.
Ask at a Tuscan winery or during a dessert wine tasting. Vin Santo is central to Tuscan hospitality and understanding its production enriches the experience enormously.
Si fa con means 'it is made with'. L'uva appassita is 'dried/withered grapes'. The appassimento process (drying the grapes) concentrates sugars and flavours — a technique used for Vin Santo, Amarone, and Passito wines.
Con cosa si serve il Vin Santo?
What is Vin Santo served with?
Traditionally with cantucci biscuits — for dipping.
Quanto invecchia il Vin Santo in caratello?
How long does Vin Santo age in the small barrel?
Caratello — the small Tuscan barrel. Minimum 3 years, often 8-10.
Ha un sapore di miele e noce secca.
It has a flavour of honey and dried walnut.
Classic Vin Santo tasting notes.
Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice (made from red Prugnolo Gentile grapes) is considered the finest expression of Vin Santo — its deep amber colour and extraordinary complexity command prices rivalling great Sauternes. The name 'holy wine' may derive from its use in Mass or from its rarity.