The colour is medium amber. On the nose nuts, dried fruits and honey. In the mouth rich and velvety. The aftertaste is subtle, but very long.
This Vin Santo is produced by Fèlsina, a winery dedicated to the production of good quality mono-varietals wines, made mainly with the indigenous Sangiovese grape, but also with international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The winery is located at the border between the Chianti Classico DOCG and the Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG.
This Vin Santo is made with a blend of 55% Malvasia, 25% Trebbiano and 20% Sangiovese. The grapes are naturally dried for 2-3 months in a property among the vineyards on the hills. The must is then put in 100 litres oaks barrels (“caratelli”) and mixed with yeasts. The barrels are filled only 2/3, kept in a place where they are exposed to the temperature changes of the seasons, and not touched for 8 years. The different varieties are vinified separately and blended at the end of the process.
This wine sells at the winery for 25 EUR the half bottle (375 ml). Vin Santo is a niche wine, with a very limited market, as today is the case for most dessert wines. It also needs to be noted that the quality of Vin Santo varies widely, depending on the dedication of the producer. While visiting the region I’ve been told that this one made by Fèlsina is among the bests in the Chianti Classico denomination.
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Grapes: Malvasia, Trebbiano, Sangiovese
Type: Sweet
Vintage: 2008
Producer: Fèlsina
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5