Vin Santo Orcia and Tuscan Cantucci Igp

After the recent Igp acknowledgement here is the secret of the recipe to match cantucci with Vin Santo Orcia doc

As well as butter, honey and eggs the authentic recipe for “Cantucci Toscani” or “Cantuccini toscani” (traditional almond biscuits), uses not less than 20% sweet almonds, a distinctive and characterizing ingredient which has deservedly obtained the Igp recognition, (indication of protected origin). In Tuscany there are many artisan bakers and  pastry makers who produce this famous biscuit. It is particularly appreciated around Christmas but also eaten at the end of a meal as dessert with a glass of Vin Santo.

Not everyone knows that in the area of production of Orcia wine small wineries also make Vin Santo Orcia Doc. The regulations of the Consortium establish that Orcia Vinsanto or Vin Santo is made from a minimum 50% of Tuscan Trebbiano grapes and long white Malvasia grapes, but another 50% of other  white grape varieties grown in the Tuscan region may be utilized. After an accurate selection the grapes must be allowed to dry naturally and must achieve a sugar content of at least 26%. Then the winemaking process and ageing take place in wooden barrels called “caratelli” which hold no more than 300 liters for a minimum of 18 months as from the 1 January of the year after vintage. After this compulsory period the wine can be put into other recipients and is ready for sale after 1 November three years after the vintage.

So here is our recipe for making cantucci:

Ingredients for 10/12 people

500 gr. flour; 400 gr. toasted almonds; 5 eggs; 100 gr. melted butter; 200 gr. sugar; 150 gr. honey

Preparation

Mix flour and sugar with the eggs than add melted butter and honey. Make it all into a paste and incorporate the almonds. Form rolls of pastry 3cm wide and put into a baking tin. Bake at 170° for about 15/20 minutes. Take the rolls from the oven and after 5 mins. cut into slices and let them cool in the oven which is turned off.

Match with: Vin Santo Orcia Doc

color: from pale golden yellow to intensely amber colored.

fragrance: intense, ethereal, characteristic.

flavor: from dry to sweet, harmonious, velvety, smooth.

A Useful hint:  try to avoid dunking the biscuits in the wine! Although it is a normal habit you risk losing the flavor and aroma of the authentic Vin Santo!!