Description
The Vin Santo del Chianti PDO is reserved for the following types of wine: Vin Santo and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice. The Designation also incorporates seven sub-areas.
Production Area
The production area of Vin Santo del Chianti PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Prato, Pisa, Pistoia and Siena, in the Tuscany region.
Description of product typologies
Vin Santo del Chianti PDO is straw-yellow, tending towards golden yellow and amber; the nose releases intense, pleasant and elegant aromas which open with notes of raisin, dried fig and apricot jam, followed by aromas of candied-fruit, almond, varnish, citrus peel and vanilla; the taste corresponds to the nose, offering a smooth, sweet attack balanced by the alcohol, a full-body, intense flavours, pleasant freshness and a persistent finish reminiscent of dried fig, honey, apricot jam and almond. It can also be produced as medium-sweet, semi-sweet and sweet wine and display Riserva on the label. Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice ranges from pink, varying in intensity, to deep amber; the nose opens with embracing, ethereal and fruity fragrances which open up to reveal a spicy, floral background; it is sweet, smooth and velvety on the palate. It can display Riserva on the label. Vin Santo del Chianti PDO and Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Occhio di Pernice wines must be produced with traditional vinification methods, which involve the carefully selected grapes being dried naturally in suitable environments; partial drying with the aid of ventilated air is permitted. The ageing processes must take place in wooden kegs with a capacity of no more than 5 hectolitres and must be concluded by October 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced, and the fourth year for Riserva wines. Vin Santo del Chianti PDO and Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Occhio di Pernice wines cannot be released for consumption before November 1st of the third year following that in which the grapes were produced; Riserva wines can be released for consumption from November 1st of the fourth year following that in which the grapes were produced.
Geographical and sub-area specifications
The Vin Santo del Chianti PDO can be accompanied by seven sub-areas: Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Colli Aretini; Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Colli Fiorentini; Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Colli Senesi; Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Colline Pisane; Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Montalbano; Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Montespertoli; Vin Santo del Chianti PDO Rufina. These are reserved for Vin Santo and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice wines produced with typical grapes from the terroir of origin.
Additional specifications
Vin Santo del Chianti PDO wines may indicate the following descriptions on the label: Secco (Dry), Abboccato (Medium-Sweet), Amabile (Semi-Sweet) and Dolce (Sweet).