Castellare di Castellina S. Niccolò Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (37.5cl, 16%)

This is a Tuscan dessert wine from Castellare di Castellina, near the village of Castellina in the Chianti Classico zone, in a 37.5cl bottle. It is a blend of 60% Malvasia Bianca and 40% Trebbiano. The grapes are hung in ventilated rooms to dry and concentrate their sugars, rather than being laid on reed mats. They are then pressed and fermented in small chestnut and oak half barrels holding yeast deposits 20 to 30 years old, and the wine stays there for five years before bottling. It is brilliant amber, with roasted nuts, dried apricot, toffee and spice cake on the nose. The palate is rich, with honey, caramel and candied orange peel, balanced by freshness. The finish is very long, with dried apricot and toasted nuts.