Vinsanto del Chianti Classico Castello di Volpaia 2015 (37.5 cl)

The great elegance and roundness of Volpaia’s wines are due to the estate’s high altitude and very particular terrain. Thanks to the wide excursion between day and night temperatures, the grapes ripen slowly allowing the wine to develop a complex and elegant nose. The Vinsanto is produced from carefully selected bunches of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes harvested in September. The grapes are then hung up to dry on long lines in well aired lofts, where they benefit from Volpaia’s cold, dry winters. After gentle pressing the grapes are fermented and aged in small oak casks, equal to the twenty-fourth part of an ordinary barrel. After the original lees are added, the wine gradually starts to ferment very slowly and is never bottled within less than 5 or 6 years. Because the casks are sealed and nothing is every added to them, the vinsanto is oxidized and has a strong, long lasting and spicy bouquet. Its full and harmonious flavour has strong traces of almonds and dried fruit. Its pronounced flavour leaves one’s palate fresh and clean. Contains sulphites. Produced by FATTORIA CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA DI GIOVANNA STIANTI - Loc. Volpaia - 53017, Radda in Chianti (SI) - Italy.

The producer

Volpaia is an 11th Century fortified village which has been entirely restored and devoted to the production of wine. Something that has been going on there since 1172! In 2000 The Wall Street Journal named Volpaia one of the seven wonders of Italy and, in fact, every year it attracts innumerable visitors. Local traditions are very much respected and around Volpaia they grow mainly Sangiovese grapes, but they do use the latest technology. Over the years, in an almost ideal location, they planted and later transferred various Sangiovese clones they collected and nurtured with the utmost care in a special vineyard. Volpaia’s high altitude, special terrain and state of the art technology all contribute to the special quality of its wines, bestowing on them a unique elegance.

Best with

Cantucci (Tuscan almond biscuits), puddings, tarts, dried fruits and herbed cheeses. Excellent with chocolate and well worth drinking alone.

How to serve it

Serve at a temperature of between 18 and 20°C in tall crystal goblets.

How to keep

As it is an oxidized wine it keeps well for several weeks after opening. When correctly stored, the Vinsanto will keep for over 30 years. Store, lying down in a cool, humid atmosphere.