Christmas is that period of the year in which everyone is looking out to find the best, heartfelt gifts to donate to their loved ones. The choice can vary to a small, but very significant present, but also something bigger and more expensive. Here at Carpineto we believe that the most important thing is giving out the best gifts to the people that really matter to us (and deserve our love!), and always do it from the bottom of our heart. 

That’s why an historical, traditional and delicious Carpineto bottle can be just the right option. If you’re looking for a very symbolic culinary gift, we got you covered! The Italian and, more specifically, Tuscan tradition will perfectly come to the rescue. 

For example, giving a bottle of Vinsanto as a gift represents an ancient, Tuscan, convivial gesture. Vinsanto is traditionally the wine of hospitality: in many Tuscan homes, it was served to guests along with cantucci biscuits as a sign of respect and sharing. 

Giving a bottle as a gift therefore means a strong symbol of welcome and bond with someone. Remember: almost every Tuscan farming family produced their own Vinsanto, and for centuries it was considered the wine of religious festivals and family celebrations, so it is still perfect for Christmas today. 

It is a wine obtained through a slow, artisanal process (drying of the grapes, long aging in small barrels), and is therefore perceived as something precious and exceptional. This was once considered true luxury, the embodiment of history and tradition plus unrepeatable character, perfect for special moments as well as refined pairings.

Here at Carpineto we proudly produce our Vinsanto since many generations: you can taste history with our Farnito Vinsanto del Chianti 2006. The Farnito Vinsanto del Chianti DOC 2006 is one of the finest Vinsantos, a grand dessert wine with much value and tradition from origins that have been covered by legend and history. 

The drying of grapes takes place in wooden crates; slow fermentation occurs barrel by barrel throughout winter months. In addition to resting for 16 years in some traditional chestnut "caratelli" and partly in oak barrels placed at different company estates, it will later rest further in bottles finally kept within temperature-controlled underground cellars. Intense and complex peach, walnut husk, and typical Malvasia aromas jump out of the glass while this wine runs across your palate with finely judged balsamic fragrances balancing alcohols against sweetness on a very long enveloping finish. Serve this between 55 and 60°F. 

So how about the traditional Vinsanto pairings? As we previously mentioned, cantucci are just a perfect match for it. Cantucci, also known by their original name “biscotti di Prato,” are among the most beloved and well-known cookies in the world: sweet almond loaves baked whole in the oven, then cut and toasted until crispy and a beautiful golden brown color. Historical tradition inexorably links the consumption of cantucci with vin santo, which serves to soften their texture and enhance their flavor and sweetness. 

There is a lot of history behind this particular dry dessert, which is delicious to savor especially in the fall and winter, with the inevitable dipping in a good sweet wine. It is a dessert with a dry, pleasant, and decisive flavor, dedicated to those who do not necessarily like overly sweet desserts and those who want to enjoy something different from the usual, out of the ordinary.

Another interesting pairing, this time international, could be with the delicious Pecan Pie: with its intense sweetness, with a deep nutty flavor that carries notes of caramel, a good Pecan Pie can be enhanced when accompanied by Vinsanto.

Because of its aromatic complexity and perfect sweetness-acidity balance, this dessert wine manages density and sugary character from the cake without ever being overwhelming. 

Dry fruit notes in Vinsanto, along with apricot jam and peach flavors match perfectly with the toasted depth of taste provided by pecans as well as persistence combining with balsamic notes to raise the tasting experience, making every morsel harmonious and enveloping. Pecan pie paired with Vinsanto is a rich but elegant pairing, definitely festive.

Prepare yourself for a truly special Christmas with Carpineto products, always deeply rooted in the Tuscany tradition. Wherever you will be celebrating, the most important thing is that you will get the chance to spend it with your beloved ones! Gift them with a Vinsanto bottle and they will surely appreciate it.