Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The protected designation of origin "Vernaccia di San Gimignano", which falls within the category of DOCG, is reserved for two types of wine: white and white Riserva.

Grapes

Production must take place mainly using grapes from "Vernaccia di San Gimignano" vines. Within the limit of 15%, other non-aromatic white grapes, suitable for cultivation in Tuscany, may also be used. There are, however, some exceptions. The Sauvignon and Riesling vines may be present, alone or in combination, only for a share of less than 10%. Not to be used, however, the Traminer, the Moscato Bianco, the Muller Thurgau, the Malvasia di Candia, the Malvasia Istriana and the Crossroads Bruni.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Both variants of "Vernaccia di San Gimignano" have a straw-yellow color enhanced by golden reflections, which become more intense with aging. The perfume is characterized by delicate and fine aromas, with initial fruity notes that the aging can turn into mineral notes. The taste is dry and harmonious, savory and sometimes enriched by an almond aftertaste. The minimum total alcholic strength by volume shall be 11,50% vol. for the mention Riserva 12,50% vol.

Grape production area

The production area is San Gimignano, a Tuscan town in the province of Siena. The profile is hilly, with altitudes of the vines that do not reach 500 meters above sea level. The climate has dry summers and cold winters.

Specificity and historical notes

The "Vernaccia di San Gimignano" is one of the oldest historical grape varieties in Italy, so much so as to earn a mention in Dante's Divine Comedy. Its origin is uncertain, there are those who believe it was imported from Liguria, in particular from Vernazza (who would have given it its name). According to another approach, instead, it would be an absolutely autochthonous vine and the name would derive from the Latin vernaculus, which means "local". La Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first DOC wine to be published in the Official Gazette in 1966.