2002 Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano 375ml

"Vin Santo" is literally translated as "holy wine". The sweet wine tradition in Tuscany dates back to the Renaissance, and the Avignonesi family has been producing wine for centuries. In 2009, the well regarded property was purchased by Belgian Virginie Saverys. Today, Avignonesi is the largest certified biodynamic winery in Italy.

Montepulciano is located about 25 miles east of the much more famous town of Montalcino. This quiet town produces the famous Vino Nobile Sangiovese amidst the Appenine Mountains.  

This vin santo is produced from Trebbbiano and Malvasia grapes that are dried on straw mats for three to four months before being pressed into small oak casks. The fermentation is slow and the yields from the small raisins are minuscule as a result of the 10 year aging process in caratelli (small 50 liter oak barells).

This is a wine of meditation that must be tasted to be believed and truly appreciated. For those who take the time to appreciate this dark, secretive sweet wine, infinite sensory experiences abound.

The caramel colored wine has amazing, rich aromas of caramel and dark chocolate. Notes of acacia honey, thyme, nutmeg entice as candied orange peel and butter cookies envelope the mouth. In the mouth, the wine explodes with flavors of figs, almonds, orange marmalade, and roasted coffee beans. The wine is sensationally balanced and leaves you wanting more, as you reflect on the majesty and beauty of this one life. 

As a result of the wines ten-year ageing period, the Vin Santo goes through a natural oxidation process. Therefore, the wine will remain intact for a long time after the bottle is opened, if tightly corked and stored in the refrigerator.

This is an impossibly delicious wine born under one very lucky star. The 2002 Vin Santo di Montepulciano undergoes such a long aging regime in tiny oak vessels, everything must line up perfectly if the wine is to show this level of quality and perfection. Any minimal spoilage or oxidation in any single barrel could mean destruction. I tasted this sample in a precious 100 milliliter bottle. The bouquet puts forth a stunning array of honey, candied fruit, dried apricot and brown sugar aromas. ~97 Wine Advocate Drink 2018-2045

The 2002 Vin Santo di Montepulciano is gorgeous. Bright acids give the toffee, dried herb, sweet tobacco and fig notes an attractive kick of brightness. In 2002, the Vin Santo is not as viscous as it can be, but that is not a bad thing, as the 2002 possesses terrific balance and tons of harmony. Drink this beautifully expressive Vin Santo over the next decade or so. ~95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Drink 2018-2030

Made with dried Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, this meditation wine offers aromas of chestnut honey, caramel and nutmeg. The spicy, balanced palate offers candied tangerine, dried fig and toasted almond alongside fresh acidity and a lingering finish. ~95 Wine Enthusiast

Almost cola-colored, this is intense, yet supple and vibrant, boasting caramel, molasses, dried fig and orange peel flavors. The terrific balance and structure keep this persistent, while the finish fades gracefully. Drink now through 2024. 83 cases made, 10 cases imported. ~95 Wine Spectator