📜 Grance Senesi

Grance Senesi is an Italian DOC (a protected designation of origin) from Tuscany, in the province of Siena, for red, white, passito and late-harvest wines. The grapes come from the communes of Rapolano Terme, Murlo, Asciano and Monteroni d'Arbia, and part of Sovicille.

Rosso and Rosso Riserva must contain at least 60% Sangiovese, with up to 40% of other red grapes grown in Tuscany. Bianco, Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva must contain at least 60% Trebbiano and/or Malvasia Bianca Lunga. The varietal types Canaiolo, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malvasia Bianca Lunga must contain at least 85% of the named grape.

Rosso is dry, ruby red, with at least 12% total alcohol; Riserva needs 13.5%, comes only from vines at least 5 years old and spends at least a year in wood. Passito is made from grapes dried to at least 300 g/l of sugar and aged at least 12 months in wood of up to 225 litres. Vendemmia Tardiva comes from grapes dried on the vine, harvested after 1 October with at least 15% natural alcohol. The vintage must always be on the label. The name comes from the Grance, the fortified farms of Siena's Santa Maria della Scala hospital.