Passito 'Mossi' Santa Barbara

The Passito 'Mossi' from the Marche winery Santa Barbara represents an unusual interpretation of Merlot in a passito version, to be appreciated for its richness and concentration. The label's appellation derives from the nickname of Stefano Antonucci, owner of the Santa Barbara winery, called 'Mossi' by his friends. He decided to dive into this adventure in 1994 after leaving his job in a bank to return to his homeland, Barbara, where as a wine enthusiast he set off again in pursuit of his dream. Stefano put his innovative and eclectic vision at the service of Santa Barbara, which is still the basis of the winery's success today.

The 'Mossi' Santa Barbara Passito is made exclusively from Merlot grapes from vines between 25 and 40 years old. These are planted on medium-textured soils rich in skeleton, located at an altitude of 260 metres above sea level with a cool north-east exposure. The grapes are left to dry before the vinification process in stainless steel tanks, containers in which alcoholic fermentation takes place in contact with the skins. The mass is then transferred to oak barriques for the long ageing process that precedes the final bottling.

Santa Barbara's Merlot Passito 'Mossi' presents itself in the glass with a dark, impenetrable ruby red colour with slight garnet hues. The aromatic context is defined by intense hints of ripe cherry, black cherry, cocoa and sweet spices, combined with mentholated hints and ethereal notes. The progression on the palate is warm, robust and structured, endowed with a seductive sweetness and a subtle tannic texture to guide the elegant, highly fragrant finish. This sweet wine is best when paired with blue cheeses or chocolate desserts.