Straw wine

Straw wine, also known as passito, is a type of wine made from grapes that have been dried on straw mats or risers in the sun to concentrate their juices. The technique is used in many wine regions around the world, and it is particularly popular in Italy, where it is used to produce wines such as Vin Santo and Recioto della Valpolicella.

History

The practice of making straw wine dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Greeks and Romans both made versions of straw wine, and the technique was later adopted by winemakers in Italy and other parts of Europe. The method of drying grapes on straw mats to concentrate their juices is similar to the process used to make raisins, and it results in a wine with a high sugar content and a rich, intense flavor.

Production

The production of straw wine involves several steps. First, the grapes are harvested and laid out on straw mats or risers in the sun. The grapes are left to dry for several weeks or even months, during which time they lose water and their sugars and flavors become concentrated. Once the grapes have dried sufficiently, they are pressed and the juice is fermented. The resulting wine is typically sweet, although dry versions can also be made.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of straw wine, depending on the type of grape used and the region where it is produced. In Italy, the most famous straw wines are Vin Santo, which is made in Tuscany, and Recioto della Valpolicella, which is made in the Veneto region. Other notable straw wines include the French Vin de Paille and the Austrian Strohwein.

Pairing

Due to its sweet nature, straw wine is often served as a dessert wine, although it can also be paired with certain types of food. It goes particularly well with cheese, foie gras, and desserts that are not overly sweet.

See also

• Ice wine
• Late harvest wine
• Noble rot