Vin Santo Del Chianti Occhio di Pernice DOC 2016 - Il Borro

Centenarian Tradition and Structural Evolution of Occhio di Pernice Vinsanto del Chianti

The Vinsanto del Chianti Occhio di Pernice DOC from the Il Borro estate represents a highly sophisticated and rare expression within the landscape of historical Tuscan viticulture [0.1]. This certified organic sweet passito wine stems from a rigorous agronomical process that elevates the Sangiovese grape into a dessert style of exceptional extraction depth. The identity of this selection relies on an analytical parcellized management: following selective hand-harvesting, the clusters undergo a slow, natural air-drying workflow inside specialized, well-ventilated rooms. Pressing occurs exclusively when the berries have achieved peak natural dehydration, concentrating the sugars and fixed structural acids of the variety.

Climatic Features of the 2016 Vintage and Technical Cask Processing

The 2016 vegetative cycle profited from a regular and well-balanced seasonal pattern within the Valdarno di Sopra sub-zone, defined by a warm summer driven by sharp day-to-night temperature changes. This microclimate secured a flawless phenolic ripening of the clusters and pristine grape health, an essential agronomical baseline for the extended air-drying phase. Following a gentle pressing of the dehydrated berries, the dense, concentrated must undergoes a very slow, spontaneous fermentation. The evolutionary pathway enforces a multi-year maturation phase inside small, sealed wooden casks (*caratelli*); steady micro-oxygenation shapes a clean, stable analytical profile marked by a natural residual sugar level of 126.0 g/l.

Sensory Profile of this Premium Sweet & Passito Wines

The extensive multi-year resting phase inside traditional small casks combined with the natural extract depth of Sangiovese shapes a deep organoleptic identity driven by complex tertiary layers.

• Appellation, Blend, and ABV: 100% Sangiovese / Vinsanto del Chianti Occhio di Pernice DOC / Sweet Passito Wine / 14.50% ABV / Residual Sugar: 126.0 g/l / Volume: 375 ml / Certified Organic / Naturally air-dried on straw mats, slow spontaneous fermentation, and extended aging in small traditional wooden casks [0.1].
• Visual Presentation: Rich, deep amber color highlighted by luminous topaz reflections and mahogany hues along the rim, displaying an exceptional structural weight and heavy extracts upon swirling.
• Aromatic Bouquet: Broad, complex, and characteristically deep on the nose. Clean notes of dried figs, dates, dehydrated plums, and candied orange peel unfold, layered with refined tertiary undertones of nutmeg, chestnut honey, burnt caramel, dark chocolate, and elegant oak traces.
• Palate Texture: Sumptuous, velvety, and full-bodied on the entry. The mid-palate delivers a creamy framework where the high concentration of natural sweetness meets a vibrant structural acidity and sharp mineral salinity, driving a sleek drinking experience into a persistent tertiary finish.

Food Pairings and Serving Recommendations

The bold structural fullness and complex aromatic framework of this oaked Vinsanto Occhio di Pernice demand rich culinary options capable of matching its overall depth across high-end sweet or savory dining scenarios.

• Pastries and Pâté Pairings: Pairs naturally and with absolute elegance with traditional Tuscan almond biscotti (cantucci), cavallucci pastries, and rich duck foie gras terrines served with fig compote.
• Intense Hard and Blue Cheeses: Offers an ideal match for long-aged hard pecorino or cow cheeses, and intense blue choices such as sharp Gorgonzola or Roquefort.
• Serving Conditions: To optimize structural balance and allow the complex tertiary layers to unfold completely, serve in a medium-sized tulip passito glass at a steady chilled temperature of 12 - 14°C.