🍷 Vinsanto of Santorini

Vinsanto of Santorini is a Greek sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes on the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. The island is volcanic, with black volcanic soil and strong winds. The main grape is the white Assyrtiko. Vines here are woven into baskets to protect them from the wind.

After harvest the bunches are laid out in the sun for several days. The berries shrivel and their sugar becomes concentrated. The juice is then pressed, ferments and ages in barrels for at least two years. The result is a dark amber, sweet wine with aromas of dried fruit, honey, nuts and coffee, yet with lively acidity.

Vinsanto belongs to straw wines, wines from partly dried grapes. Italian Vin Santo and other similar styles are related. The wine is protected by appellation rules. It is served with desserts, cheese and nuts. The wine is rare because there is little of it, and the grapes dry and lose a good share of their weight.