2015 Felsina Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC Half Bottle 375ml, Castelnuovo Berardenga Tuscany

Aromas of dried apricot and whole grain biscuits supported by some subtle butterscotch undertones. A creamy texture runs through the palate, with crisp acidity that balances out the sweetness. Drink now

94 points jamessuckling.com

Fèlsina Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC from Castelnuovo Berardenga in Tuscany is a rich, deeply traditional dessert wine that embodies the soul of Tuscan winemaking. Produced by the historic Fèlsina estate, known for its age-worthy Sangiovese and devotion to classical techniques, this Vin Santo is made in extremely limited quantities using methods passed down through generations.

The wine is crafted from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, harvested by hand and then laid out to dry on straw mats in the estate’s airy lofts. This appassimento process concentrates sugars and flavours over several months. After pressing, the must is slowly fermented and aged for several years in small sealed oak and chestnut barrels known as caratelli, which are stored in the estate’s warm attic, where natural temperature swings help shape the wine’s evolution.

In the glass, Fèlsina’s Vin Santo is golden amber with complex aromas of dried apricot, fig, toasted almond, candied orange peel, caramel and spice. The palate is unctuous but beautifully balanced by freshness, showing layers of honeyed fruit, nutty oxidation and a long, lingering finish. It’s rich but never heavy, refined rather than overtly sweet.

Perfect with Tuscan cantucci (almond biscotti), aged blue cheeses, or foie gras. Also stunning on its own as a meditative after-dinner wine. This is a bottle to savour slowly and age gracefully for decades if you can wait.