Rocca di Montegrossi Vinsanto Chianti Classico DOC

Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo Chianti Classico DOC

A very special golden-yellow drop

The Vin Santo from Rocca di Montegrossi is one of the best of its kind in the entire Chianti Classico. It is not for nothing that the "Vinsantaia" in the attic is the figurehead of the winery. In a room of approximately 90 sq. m, there are 160 movable nets on rails on which the grapes are suspended. Suspended? Correct! This is because Vin Santo is the result of a very complex production process that takes several years. The grapes, Malvasia Bianco di Toscana, are usually harvested at the beginning of September and hung in the naturally ventilated attic to dry. Until December the grapes "dry out" under controlled conditions and are then pressed. Only around one seventh of the harvested quantity of grapes remains as grape must. For further vinification and ripening, the precious juice is stored in so-called Caratelli for at least six years. These are small barrels made of three types of wood, oak, mulberry and cherry. Finally, the sweet wine is bottled in small 0,375 liter bottles, where it remains for at least another twelve months. The result is an amber-coloured delight in the glass, which offers a broad spectrum of aromas in the nose, reminiscent of dried apricots and peaches, figs, orange and lemon peel, honey, walnuts and almonds, vanilla, coffee and much more. Sweet on the palate, but not too sweet, balanced, and with a taste reminiscent of the aromas in the nose and an endless finish. And of course, this outstanding Vin Santo from Rocca di Montegrossi is an excellent accompaniment to many desserts, but also to savoury dishes that require a little sweetness, such as foie gras.

Monti in Chianti: the heart of Tuscany

Monti in Chianti is undoubtedly one of the most special wine-growing areas in Chianti Classico, the oldest wine-growing region in the world. Here in the heart of Tuscany - located exactly between Florence and Siena - you will find numerous renowned wineries in the immediate proximity. One of them is the certified organic Rocca di Montegrossi winery. Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, owner of Rocca di Montegrossi, also has a "historical background": he is a descendant of the Ricasoli noble family, which still has its family seat today in the Castello di Brolio in Gaiole in Chianti. Through Bettino Ricasoli, who once established the first production rule for Chianti Classico, the family is still inextricably linked to the area and wine production. This connection with history is also reflected in the names of two red wines from Rocca di Montegrossi: Geremia, the name given to the super tuscan, was the first of the Ricasoli family to settle in this area. Or the San Marcellino, named after the churche built in 1,000 A.D. on the vineyard next to which the grapes for the Gran Selezione still grow today.

Quality is a top priority at Rocca di Montegrossi

Together with his oenologist Attilio Pagli, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi is responsible for the high quality of the wines on Rocca di Montegrossi. The main product in the assortment - just in terms of quantity - is the excellent Chianti Classico. The Vigneto San Marcellino Chianti Classico Gran Selezione expresses the elegance and complexity of old vines. The vines, up to 45 years old, grow in the immediate vicinity of the small church of the same name. Made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Geremia, the super tuscan from Rocca di Montegrossi, brings internationality to the assortment while at the same time expressing in an incomparable way the diversity of the wonderful terroir of Monti in Chianti. A faithful companion through the summer is the fruity fresh Rosato. But without a doubt, the flagship of the winery is the Vin Santo, which is not sacred but heavenly - in a quality that is seldom found elsewhere.