2018 Lamole di Lamole Vinsanto del Chianti Classico DOC

New to Vinsanto? You're not alone. This sweet Tuscan treasure was long a well-kept secret, crafted in homes and shared among friends, rarely reaching store shelves. Now, we're thrilled to offer you a taste of this once-hidden gem, available in limited quantities for the first time.

ABOUT VINSANTO

Vinsanto, one of Tuscany's most characteristic wines, has roots tracing back to the Classical Antiquity period, with dried grape winemaking originating back to the ancient Greek and Roman times. The name "Vin Santo" (meaning "holy wine") likely comes from the traditional pressing of grapes during Holy Week, though other theories link it to religious uses or the Greek island of Santorini.

Historically, Vinsanto was a modest, homemade wine shared among friends and family in Tuscan households. Producers would make small batches for personal consumption or to share with neighbors. This tradition of hospitality continues, as Vinsanto is still often offered to welcome guests in Tuscany.

Over time, Vinsanto has evolved from a local specialty to a recognized wine with several dedicated DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) in Tuscany. This transition has brought this once-hidden treasure to a wider audience, allowing wine enthusiasts around the world to experience this unique part of Tuscan winemaking heritage.

WINEMAKING PROCESS 

Vinsanto is made using a meticulous drying process known as "appassimento." The Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes for this bottling come from a 12-year-old terraced vineyard in the heart of Lamole where the grapes are carefully harvested and then dried on straw mats for several months. This concentrates the sugars and flavors, resulting in a lusciously sweet wine with complex aromatics. 

After pressing, the must is fermented and aged in 50-100 liter oak and chestnut barrels called "caratelli" for a minimum of three years.

TASTING NOTES 

A deluge of aromas (candied orange peel, apricot and nectarine, wax, gritty honey, tobacco and herbs) leads us into a dreamlike flavor that is sweet and mouth-filling and well-balanced, with a rich note of salinity on the finish.

ENJOY WITH 

Vinsanto is more versatile than you might think! Sweet dishes (all kinds of cookies, tarts, cheesecake, chocolate or cream desserts) are its forte, but it also makes an exciting companion to blue cheeses, liver crostini, rabbit terrine or castagnaccio (chestnut cake).

Quantities are extremely limited.