Vin Santo del Chianti Classico

About this wine

A traditional Tuscan passito made from roughly 85% Malvasia Bianca del Chianti and 15% Canaiolo, hand-selected and dried on straw racks (graticci) in the castle's lofts before being aged for many years in small chestnut barrels (caratelli). The result is a mature, amber-hued dessert wine with tertiary aromas and a slightly smoky, botrytis-touched character; the palate is medium-sweet, centered on sour apricot fruit, with a concentrated, grippy finish.

Sommelier's Note

"This is old-school Vin Santo, made the slow way — the smoky botrytis edge and grippy, concentrated finish are what mass-produced versions can't fake."

Food Pairings

Classic with Tuscan cantucci biscuits for dipping, but also excellent alongside blue or aged hard cheeses, foie gras, or fruit-based tarts.

When to drink it

After-dinner dessert wine, festive occasions, gifting in half bottles

Specs

Grape Varieties

Malvasia Bianca del Chianti, Canaiolo

Style

Sweet

Alcohol

14%

Price Range

¥10,000-15,000 for a 375ml bottle (rough estimate converted from typical US/EU retail pricing, since Japanese retail listings were not confirmed)

Terroir & Winemaking

Roughly 85% Malvasia Bianca del Chianti and 15% Canaiolo. Grapes are hand-selected and dried on straw racks (graticci) in the estate's lofts for several months to concentrate sugars, then fermented and aged for an extended period (multi-year) in small chestnut barrels called caratelli, following traditional Tuscan Vin Santo methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes are used for Castello di Cacchiano's Vin Santo?

It is made from roughly 85% Malvasia Bianca del Chianti and 15% Canaiolo, following the traditional Tuscan Vin Santo method.

How is this wine made?

The grapes are dried on straw racks (graticci) in the castle's lofts to concentrate their sugars, then fermented and aged for an extended period in small chestnut barrels called caratelli.

What food pairs best with Vin Santo?

The classic pairing is Tuscan cantucci almond biscuits dipped directly into the wine, but it also pairs well with blue cheese, foie gras, and fruit tarts.

How sweet is this wine?

It is medium-sweet, centered on sour apricot fruit with tertiary, slightly smoky botrytis notes and a concentrated, grippy finish rather than being cloying.