Altesino

Vin Santo Val d’Arbia DOC 2001

Wine Description

Vin Santo, which translates as "holy wine" in Italian, is a traditionally sweet wine from Tuscany. Made from equal parts Malvasia and Trebbiano Toscano, that are dried for a period of three to six months, as DOC regulations stipulate that vinification cannot begin until March following the harvest. The fermentation and aging process happens over eight years in caratelli (small oak casks), resulting in a very special wine of incredible complexity and concentration.

Tasting Notes

Vin Santo Val d'Arbia has a captivating amber color. On the nose, it is rich and complex with hints of roasted almonds, honey and dried apricot. Its full-bodied flavors of honey and dried fruits persist long into the finish—a true meditation wine.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: The Altesino vineyard
Size of vineyard (acres): 25
Soil composition: Sand and clay
Training method: Spur-pruned Cordon
Elevation (feet): 924
Vines/acre: 1,800-2,000
Yield/acre (tons): 0.5
Exposure: Southeastern
Year vineyard planted: 1992

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 50% Trebbiano Toscana and 50% Malvasia
Harvest time: September
Winemaking consultant: Paulo Caciorgna
First vintage of this wine: 1990
Number bottles produced of this wine: 1,200
Fermentation
Fermentation container: Caratelli
Length of alcoholic fermentation (days): 8 years
Length of maceration (days): 8 years
Aging
Aging container: Caratelli
Size of aging container: 55 L
Age of aging container: New and 7 years old
Cooperage: Slavonian
Length of aging before bottling: 8 years
Length of bottle aging: 6 months
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 17.0%
pH level: 3.6
Residual sugar (grams/liter): 116.6
Acidity (grams/liter): 6.6
Dry extract (grams/liter): 155.4

Reviews

Wine Advocate - Issue #191/ October 2010
Wine Advocate
“The 2001 Vin Santo is another big success for the house. This medium-bodied Vin Santo, with 117 grams of residual sugar, showcases ethereal plums, cloves, dried flowers and licorice, all backed by considerable richness that leads to an impeccable, creamy finish. The level of detail, clarity and precision are first-class. This is a strong vintage for the estate’s Vin Santo.”
94 points