What kind of wine is Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella
The Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella is a Tuscan liqueur wine of great character, made according to the Vin Santo tradition but with an original twist: the use of Sangiovese, the iconic grape variety of the Montepulciano area. This is a more intense and structured version of classic Vin Santo, characterised by a naturally high alcohol content (around 16-17% vol.), which contributes to its extraordinary preservation capacity and the sensory richness that distinguishes it.Vintage Details
The 2015 harvest was characterised by balanced and favourable climatic conditions for the full ripening of the Sangiovese grapes. After harvesting, the bunches are selected and left to dry in fruit rooms for several weeks, thus concentrating the natural sugars and aromas of the grape. This process gives the wine a sweet and harmonious profile, always balanced by a pleasant acidic freshness.Vinification and ageing
The Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella results from a patient winemaking process that respects nature's timing. After drying, the grapes are gently pressed, and the must ferments slowly in small oak barrels of various capacities, called "caratelli". The ageing phase lasts several years, during which the wine develops its aromatic complexity and its typical evolved character. Despite its sweetness, it is not an artificially fortified wine: its alcoholic strength derives solely from the action of yeasts and the natural concentration of the grapes.Tasting notes
The Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella is distinguished by its rich aromas and profound taste, making it a unique experience among Italian sweet wines.Colour
It presents an intense amber colour with vivid coppery reflections, typical of the "Occhio di Pernice" style. The warm hue anticipates the complexity of the aromas that will follow on the nose and palate.Nose
The bouquet is broad and engaging, with aromas of dried fruit, figs, dates, and chestnut honey, followed by notes of caramel, vanilla, and slight hints of sweet spices. Over time, nuances of liquorice and tobacco emerge, a sign of this wine's natural evolution in wood.Palate
On the palate, it is sweet but never cloying. The sugary softness is balanced by a lively acidity and a long, enveloping finish that recalls candied fruit and the toasted notes of wood. This is a meditation wine, to be savoured slowly to appreciate its full structure and refined elegance.Food pairings for Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella
This Vin Santo pairs harmoniously with traditional Tuscan dry desserts but also lends itself to more creative combinations. Here are some ideas:- Cantucci or almond biscuits, for a classic regional pairing.
- Fig tart or dried fruit cakes.
- Blue and aged cheeses, such as gorgonzola or Pecorino di Fossa, for a balanced sweet-savoury contrast.
- Dark chocolate or cocoa-based desserts with spicy notes.
Storage and ageing: how to store Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella
The long life of Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella is one of its most fascinating characteristics. Thanks to its high alcohol content and sugar content, it can be stored for many years while retaining its qualities. To ensure optimal storage, it is advisable to:- Store it in a cool, dry place with a constant temperature (around 14-16°C).
- Keep bottles upright if already opened, to reduce air exposure.
- Once opened, it can be stored for several weeks without losing its aromatic integrity.
Band
The history of the Bindella winery The Bindella winery is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this historic company boasts a winemaking legacy that spans several generations. However, it has never rested on its laurels, inte...
How to open and best serve Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella, it's important to position it correctly. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, place it upright at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the natural sediments of the aged wine to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in your glass.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Vin Santo di Montepulciano is best enjoyed at a temperature between 12 and 14°C. You can slightly chill it in the refrigerator for about half an hour before tasting. A temperature that is too low would diminish its aromatic complexity, while one that is too high would make the alcohol more noticeable.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a quality corkscrew to avoid damaging the cork, which is often more fragile in aged wines. Follow these steps:
- Gently cut the capsule below the rim of the neck.
- Insert the corkscrew screw into the center of the cork and turn it slowly.
- Gradually extract the cork, avoiding abrupt movements.
- If you notice any residue or cork fragments in the bottle neck, carefully remove them.
4. Inspection and Initial Tasting
After opening, smell the cork and pour a small amount of Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella into a tasting glass:
- Check the color, which should show amber and intense reflections.
- Ensure the aroma is complex and clean, with notes of dried fruit, honey, and sweet spices.
- Taste a small amount to confirm that the wine is balanced and harmonious.
5. Decanting and Aeration
Although Vin Santo doesn't always require decanting, this step can enhance its aromas in more evolved vintages like 2015. We recommend:
- Slowly pouring the wine into a small crystal decanter, leaving the sediments at the bottom of the bottle.
- Letting it rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow for slight aeration.
- Avoiding excessively prolonged aeration, which could alter the complexity of the bouquet.
6. Serving
Serve Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC 'Dolce Sinfonia Occhio di Pernice' 2015 - Bindella in small dessert or tulip glasses, which enhance the wine's aromatic concentration. Pour carefully, avoiding shaking the bottle. Accompany the tasting with:
- Cantucci toscani or other dry biscuits;
- Blue or aged cheeses;
- Pâtés and desserts based on dried fruit or honey.
7. Storage After Opening
Once opened, keep the bottle tightly sealed with its original cork or an airtight stopper. Store it in the refrigerator, upright, and preferably consume it within 2-3 weeks. Thanks to its high sugar content and alcohol level, Vin Santo di Montepulciano retains its qualities for a longer period than other wines.