Vinsanto

Vineyard and terroir

The grapes come from the La Casuccia valley at 460 metres above sea level. The vineyards have north-eastern and south-western exposures and predominantly rocky clay-limestone soil. The vines are trained on vertical trellises at a density of 5,200 plants per hectare. The selected clones are Malvasia Cenaia 2 and Trebbiano SL30.

Production is highly selective: no more than one or two clusters per vine are retained, and the ratio between harvested grapes and bottled Vinsanto is approximately 5:1.

Grapes

The latest published vintage, 2015, is 65% Malvasia Bianca and 35% Trebbiano Toscano.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand into small 10–12 kg crates to protect the berries, then undergo further selection on a sorting table. They are arranged in chains of clusters and dried naturally for about two months in dry, well-ventilated drying rooms. Drying continues until the fruit reaches a sugar concentration of at least 350 g/L.

The dried clusters are crushed without destemming and pressed gently. After initial static settling, the concentrated must is transferred to used 200-litre Allier oak barriques. Fermentation develops intermittently and eventually stops naturally.

Ageing

Fermentation and maturation take place in French oak barriques for approximately five years on average. The 2015 vintage was bottled on 3 March 2020.

Technical data

For the 2015 vintage: 15.5% alcohol, 5.9 g/L total acidity, 101.9 g/L residual sugar and 131.4 g/L dry extract. Production comprised 3,520 half-Bordeaux bottles.

Tasting profile

Bright amber-yellow with golden reflections. The aroma is fruit-driven, with apricot and dried-fruit notes. The palate is elegant and refined, combining lively acidity with moderate sweetness and balanced alcohol. Its restrained sugar concentration allows the aromatic character to remain prominent and gives the wine considerable versatility.

Serving and pairing

Suitable with desserts, pâté and mature cheeses. Its balance also allows it to be served as an aperitif or enjoyed on its own as a meditation wine.

Vintage notes

The 2015 summer began late, with veraison starting in early August. Sunny, warm conditions continued until mid-September, when temperatures—particularly at night—fell and delayed the harvest. Ripeness was assessed through repeated organoleptic evaluation in the vineyard and laboratory analysis. Malvasia Bianca was picked on 23 September and Trebbiano Toscano on 10 October.