Vin Santo DOC 2011, Colombaio di Cencio

The Colombaio di Cencio Vin Santo del Chianti Classico DOC 2011, often specifically labelled as “Occhio di Pernice” (Partridge Eye), is an extraordinary Tuscan dessert wine. This 2011 vintage represents a high point of patience and craftsmanship, resulting in a dense, coppery-amber liqueur-style wine.

Sensory Profile

• Appearance: An intense amber colour with deep copper hues, characteristic of the “Occhio di Pernice” style.
• Aroma: A rich and highly concentrated bouquet featuring scents of honey, hazelnut, and apricot. It develops complex layers of candied red fruit, almond, and subtle spicy notes.
• Palate: The wine is full-bodied, viscous, and warm. It offers a “mille-feuille” of flavours including dried figs, dates, and raisins. Reviewers on Vivino have praised the 2011 for its remarkable balance of sweetness and acidity, describing it as “so smooth” with a long, delightful finish.

Production and Technical Details

• Grape Varieties: Primarily Sangiovese, often blended with small amounts of Malvasia and Trebbiano.
• Vinification: Grapes are hand-picked in mid-September and left to dry on mats in well-ventilated rooms (“bunk” style) until the spring following the harvest. This natural dehydration concentrates the sugars and juice.
• Ageing: The must ferments very slowly in traditional small oak or chestnut barrels called caratelli. Colombaio di Cencio ages this wine for more than ten years in these barrels before bottling, allowing for complex oxidation.
• Alcohol Content: Approximately 16% vol.

Recommended Pairings

This is a “meditation wine” best served between 10–14°C.

• Traditional: Classic Tuscan cantucci (almond biscuits) for dipping.
• Savoury: Strong blue cheeses (like Gorgonzola) or mature Pecorino Toscano.
• Sweet: Dark chocolate, dried fruit-based desserts, or apricot tarts.