"SOVESTRO"
VIN SANTO TOSCANO
PRODUCER: CANTINE BARONCINI
DOC TUSCANY

Vin Santo has been produced since the 14th century in Tuscany. Even before the 14th century, a similar wine, called Vin Pretto (or 'pure wine') was produced here.

Vin Santo has always been known as the wine of friendship and hospitality. No household, whether poor or rich, was ever without it. It was served at any time of the day, although most people preferred it at the end of a meal.

A legend, still current, has it that a Sienese priest worked miracles curing victims of plague in 1348 by having them drink this special wine.

But the most picturesque version attributes the name to a linguistic misunderstanding dating to 1439 during the Council of Florence when Bessarion, patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church, used the word xantos (yellow in Greek) in speaking of the wine. The Florentines thought he had said santo in reference to this passito (raisin) wine, which at that time (and afterward, as well) was called vin pretto (pure wine).

In October to November ripe white grapes (In Tuscany Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia and Canaiolo are most popular followed by Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, in Veneto Garganega and Gambellara are used; elsewhere local white grapes are preferred) are hand picked, rotten grapes removed and the bunches are hung from the rafter of vinsantaie, a room with many windows for vigorous air circulation.

Once the grapes have dried sufficiently which may last well into January, they are pressed and the juice is poured into caratelli (small chestnut barrels) for fermentation. After the initial fermentation the wine is racked, the caratelli sealed, and placed under the roof of the winery. Here the wine is subjected to diurnal and seasonal temperature changes, which impart a unique taste and texture to the wine.

Vin santo are generally sweet but some wineries produce off dry or dry versions. All are viscous in texture, high in alcohol, smooth and intensely flavoured. talians like to enjoy vin santo with a biscotti others prefer it with fresh seasonal fruits, and a few with their favourite pastry.

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