The Vin Santo del Chianti: An Amber-Coloured Treasure
After the harvest, the best buches of Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes are laid out in warm, well ventilated rooms in order to allow the moisture to evaporate; in January, the grapes are crushed and the must is left to ferment in small barrels (max. capacity: 50 litres) called kegs, usually made of local woods, such as chestnut, beech and oak. The kegs are sealed "a cocchiume" (as wine-makers say) either with cement or wax, in order to prevent air from penetrating and to allow a slow fermentation process.
The origin of the name is uncertain. Vin Santo probably owes its name to the fact that in the past the kegs were opened during the Holy Week and at Easter... obviously 3, 4 or even 10 years after the harvest! The Vin Santo is a traditional carefully-made wine, in the past offered to special guests in solemn occasions as a sign of welcome and respect. Usually it was served with "cantucci" (dry almond biscuits) to dip in!
"Occhio di pernice" (eye of the partridge) is a particular kind of Vin Santo, difficult to find: it is ruby red, like the contour of the eye of the partridges, which in the past lived in the area. Its red colour is due to the fact that it is composed at least 50% of Sangiovese grapes. For the peasants, who were not accustomed to abundance, using the best Sangiovese bunches to produce Vin Santo was a significant sacrifice. Today, like then, the Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice is a rare and precious wine.
The Vin Santo may be both dry (when the fermentation process is complete) or sweet (having a higher residual sugar content), so that anyone can choose his/her favourite style! When the Vin Santo is produced following the traditional process, its price will not be low. However, you can also buy Vin Santo at keen price for you to experience pleasant sensations thanks to its yellow-flower, dry and in-syrup fruit, honey and fig flavours... A real pleasure! Trying is believing...
Our most requested villas for vacation rentals:
Villa for holidays on the hills of the Florentine countryside. Accommodation for 12+2 people, garden, private swimming pool, hydro massage, Internet connection.
More details
Villa for rent in the countryside of Chianti, near Florence. Accommodation for 8/12 people, private swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool bath for 7, Internet connection, children's playground, air conditioning. Golf club, riding stable and tennis club within a few kilometres. Possibility of organising dinners and cooking lessons.
More details
Villa for vacation rental in Radda in Chianti, between Florence and Siena, in the Tuscan countryside. Accommodation for 10 people, garden, swimming pool, panoramic view, Internet connection.
More details
Villa with swimming pool for rent near Siena for holidays in Tuscany. Villa with accommodation for 4/6 people, panoramic view on Siena.
More details