Wines

From vineyards with a southwestern exposure situated at about 1,000 feet above sea level. Composed of 80% Sangiovese with 10% Canaiolo and 10% other indigenous varietals, the average age of these vines is now approximately 35 years. The grapes for the Chianti Colli Senesi are macerated for 15 days in cement cuves at temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius.  After the malolactic fermentation, the wine is then aged in mid-sized barrels for 8 months to a year prior to bottling.  The wine is then released after an additional 3 to 6 months of bottle age.  Production levels are approximately 1,800 cases per year.

This wine is sourced from the southeastern-facing vineyard positioned at about 1,000 feet above sea level.  The vineyard is planted almost exclusively to Sangiovese (90%) with various other red grapes making up the balance.  Fermentation takes place in large cement vats with a 15-day maceration period, followed by an élevage of about six months in small and medium-sized barrels.  As is typical at Villa Sant’Anna, the wine is then left to age in bottle for an additional period (three months or more) before release.

The Vino Nobile was first vinified in 1993. Based on Prugnolo Gentile (85%) and Mammolo & Canaiolo (15%), the vineyards for the Vino Nobile have a southwestern exposure but at a higher elevation than those for the neighboring Chianti Colli Senesi. The yields are severely restricted, averaging 20% less than for the Chianti. The fermentation period lasts 20 to 25 days at temperatures that reach 30 degrees Celsius. The wine is then racked into a mix of small- and medium-sized French oak barrels for two years, at which point it is then bottled unfiltered and allowed to rest in the cool cellars of Sant’Anna for an additional 6 months before being released.

The Vin Santo is produced in the classic manner: late harvest; grapes left exposed to the air to raisin on racks for six months in a special section of the cellars; then, the grapes are crushed and pressed with the juice to slowly ferment and mature in miniature barrels of eternal age. The Vin Santo of Villa Sant’Anna is composed of 40% Trebbiano, 40% Malvasia and 20% other indigenous grapes referred to in local parlance as “pulce in culo.”  The grapes are harvested from vines that are at least 30 years old and the yields here are extremely low.  Villa Sant'Anna's Vin Santo is bottled by hand and only in half-bottles and in specific vintages; it is a marvel that must be experienced.