Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice DOC is a sweet ‘partridge-eye’ coloured wine from the Tuscan town of Montepulciano. It is made from 50-100% Sangiovese and an optional 0-50% of any grape permitted in Tuscany. See also Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC & DOC Riserva.

Production area: The wine must come from the commune of Montepulciano in the province of Siena, Tuscany. The vines must grow at between 250-600 metres (820-1,968 feet) above sea level.

Yields: 8 tonnes per hectare is the maximum yield.

Winemaking: The grapes must be harvested with careful sorting and left to dry in suitable rooms; partial dehydration with ventilated air is allowed. Sugar content must reach at least 33% for and Occhio di Pernice (same as for for Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC Riserva. The grapes must be pressed no earlier than January 1st of the following year for both Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice (same as Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC Riserva, one month later than Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC). Storage and aging must take place in wooden casks or ‘caratelli’ with a capacity not exceeding 75 litres for Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice. The minimum ageing period in wood must be six years for Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice. The wines must be bottled in the Province of Siena. Minimum alcohol level is 12%. The minimum potential alcohol is 21% of which at least 4% must be unfermented sugars. Minimum dry extract 25g/l. Minimum total acidity 4.5g/l. Maximum level of volatile acidity of 40mg/l for both the normale and Riserva.

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic: Avignonesi (Montepulciano).

No certification: Bindella (Montepulciano).