In many parts of Italy the Vin Santo, the holy wine, is held as the most elegant wine Italy's, though its popularity is regional.
This wine´s name is probably from a long-forgotten tradition of using Vin Santo for religious ceremonies. Today it is more expensive and rather exclusive, that is made in several different styles. Its palette reaches from a relatively dry, golden-colored, a lightly oxidized wine to an amber-colored and sweet power packed wine. The alcohol content is between 15-18%. The grapes are hung to dry. In the time between Christmas and Easter they are put in 50l-barrels, with some yeast, a sediment from the previous production. The barrels are subject to the various differences in the temperature.
Many vintners from Tuscany make the Vin Santo - without regarding wine-laws. The wine s popular for family reunions or as presents. The Vino da Tavola dominates commernially, but there are some wines with DOC status.
Local vines like Trebbiano, Malvasia, and sometimes Canaiolo are used. Antinori makes the only red Vin Santo.
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