Felsina Vin Santo 2015

Fèlsina's Vin Santo originates in the hills south of Chianti Classico, around the hamlet of Castelnuovo Berardenga, southeast of Siena, in Tuscany. The vineyards and plots dedicated to Vin Santo grapes are planted in galestro, clay, and sandy soils at moderate altitudes, benefiting from a continental climate tempered by Mediterranean influences. This location, between Umbria and the heart of Chianti, offers significant temperature variations and excellent ventilation, ideal conditions for the concentration and slow drying of the grapes destined for this traditional sweet wine.

The grapes are harvested by hand and then selected before being left to dry on racks in a well-ventilated room for several months to concentrate the sugars and aromas. Pressing is followed by a slow fermentation in small oak barrels, where the wine then undergoes a long oxidative aging process on its lees, still in barrels, until it reaches the desired balance of richness, aromatic complexity, and freshness before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of dried fruit , candied apricot , and orange zest , complemented by honeyed touches, floral nuances reminiscent of orange blossom, and hints of sweet spices like cinnamon. Toasted hazelnut and woody notes from aging in small barrels further enrich the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and smooth, carried by a lively acidity that balances the sweetness and lingers in a long, lingering finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!