2013 Rocca di Montegrossi, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy -375mL

ABOUT THIS WINE

Rocca di Montegrossi’s Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is produced from Malvasia Bianca del Chianti. The choice of this grape variety is motivated by its richness in aromatic components, the thickness of its skin, and its propensity for oxidation, making it particularly suitable for the production of this type of wine. The grape drying process takes place on racks placed in naturally ventilated rooms. The racks are equipped with rails on which the grape clusters are hung one by one. During this phase, the grapes are attacked by noble rot (botrytis cinerea), imparting unique and highly valuable characteristics. 

The importance of the rails lies in the ability to select and remove grapes that deteriorate in any area of the room. This selection is repeated weekly until the time of pressing, which usually takes place in January of the year following the harvest. After approximately 3-4 months of drying, the grapes are highly concentrated, and their sugar content is high, allowing for pressing. The obtained must is placed in small casks (50 and 100 liters) made of various woods, such as cherry, oak, and mulberry, where it ferments and matures for nearly 8 years.

The annual production is less than 2,000 bottles of 0.375 liters, a quantity considered “minimal” (grape yield to wine is less than 10%), demonstrating how this production is beyond commercial logic. However, Rocca di Montegrossi owner, Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi, considers it a “poetry to be poured”.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Rocca di Montegrossi is located near Monti in Chianti, one of the finest sections of Chianti Classico, about 7 km south of Gaiole in Chianti. The cellars are near the Romanesque church of San Marcellino. Rocca di Montegrossi’s owner, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi, is descended from a family that played a central role in the history of the Chianti Classico region and laid the foundations for Chianti Classico wine. The estate extends over an area of 100 hectares; 20 are planted to vine, another 20 are olive groves, and the remainder is woodland.