Tuscan Wine Curator introduces you to the Vernaccia di San Gimignano area and its wines
VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO WINE ZONE
We are in the area electively suited to Vernaccia di San Gimignano, between Florence and Siena, in the heart of Tuscany.
Here time has stopped at the thirteenth century and San Gimignano is the historical testimony. On the gentle hills around the medieval town, the rows of Vernaccia grapes open. A unique and precious area.
VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO TERROIR
The vineyards electively cultivated in Vernaccia di San Gimignano in the municipality of San Gimignano are rooted in soils rich in tuff, an element that gives the wine its marked flavor.
In addition to this common basis, the composition of the soil of the entire area is extremely variable based on the water received, the exposure and sunlight or the effects of the breeze, elements that can determine a wine’s variety of tastes even in the same wine collection.
The wine area is adequately ventilated and sunny.
VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO GRAPE VARIETIES
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling Italico up to a maximum of 10%
VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO WINE TYPES
Vernaccia di San Gimignano. One of the very few Italian white wines, which are also offered with above average aging.
Fine sparkling wines, brut and extra-brut.
Singular rosé wines, obtained from Vernaccia grape.
Chianti Colli Senesi.
VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL
For centuries the production and sale of wine have represented the main agricultural and economic activity of this area.
The first appearance of Vernaccia di San Gimignano in the local municipal trade registers dates back to 1276.
And it is in fact in that period that this vitis vinifera makes its first appearance in the area.
However, it took several centuries of wine refining techniques, especially in the fields and in the production chain, to update the winemaking methods. The inclusion, over time, of other white grape varieties completed the bouquet of the Vernaccia wine aromas.
The modern history of wines, on the other hand, sees Vernaccia di San Gimignano excel with a D.O.C. in 1966 and D.O.C.G. in 1993.
VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO TRIVIA
Recently, some scholars have advanced the hypothesis that the Vernaccia di San Gimignano vine was introduced to San Gimignano from Liguria, around year 1200, by a certain Vieri de 'Bardi. The very name "Vernaccia" would refer to "Vernazza", one of the five centuries-old villages that make up the Cinque Terre, also famous for the production of white wines.
