Made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes harvested in October and left to dry until early February, Castello di Monsanto’s Vinsanto is produced according to strict traditions. The must is stored for a decade in small casks, which are exposed to the elements in the Vinsantaia throughout summer and winter. No technological analysis is performed – all that’s required is infinite passion for a great Chianti tradition. This sweet wine is not just for desserts, its acidic structure gives an outstanding elegance and persistence, enabling it to stand up to unusual food pairings.
Designation
Vinsanto del Chianti Classico D.O.C.
First year of production
1970
Grape varieties
50% Trebbiano and 50% Malvasia
Training system
Guyot
Vinification
Withered grapes on racks
Maturazione o invecchiamento
12 years in 50 and 100 litre casks made from chestnut, oak, and cherry wood.
Ageing
One year of bottle aging
Climate trend
The 1997 vintage was characterized by a late spring frost (April 17) that reduced production in the Il Poggio Vineyard, although only to a limited extent. Afterward, the growing season was regular and this permitted the estate to harvest grapes that were perfectly wholesome and fully ripe with an extremely high sugar level and completely developed polyphenols. Among other aspects, the 1997 vintage was the first in which the estate used cone-shaped stainless steel vats rather than cylindrical containers.