Vin Santo is a traditional Italian dessert wine produced in Tuscany. It is made from dried Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes and typically has a sweet flavor profile with moderate alcohol content.
How it is made
Vin Santo is made by drying the harvested Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes in well-ventilated rooms or specialized drying facilities. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, which are then fermented to create the sweet dessert wine. Historically, grapes were dried on straw mats, giving Vin Santo the alternative name 'straw wine'.
History
The wine has a rich history and was known in Russia since the 18th century. There are multiple theories about the origin of its name. One suggests it was used in religious ceremonies due to its ability to store well in non-specialized conditions. Another theory connects the name to the Greek island of Santorini, where similar wines are produced.
How it is served
Vin Santo is traditionally served as a dessert wine, often accompanied by almond cookies known as biscotti. Its sweet profile and moderate strength make it an ideal pairing with these traditional Italian treats.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Вин Санто, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.