Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG: wine excellence from Middle Ages
Tuscany is home to interesting wines in several respects. One that stands out is certainly Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, a white wine produced in the area of the same name in the province of Siena between Certaldo and Colle Val d'Elsa from the indigenous Vernaccia vine, which must be prevalent with at least 85% of the grapes in production.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano can be basic (traditional) or riserva (reserve) and to understand its evolution it is necessary to start from its origins, that is, from the Middle Ages. Over the last few decades, this excellent white wine has changed ‘its character’ thanks to local winegrowers who have sought to innovate in order to enhance the qualities of a wine that has acquired, over time, its own precise and strong identity.
The Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG identity card
If the grapes used to produce the wine come from the Vernaccia di San Gimignano vine for at least 85% and the processing takes place in the indicated territory, then we can speak of Vernaccia DOCG. In practice, a maximum percentage of 15% of other grapes may be used, provided they are white, non-aromatic and in any case Tuscan. In this regard, ‘additions’ from Traminer, Muller Thurgau, Moscato Bianco, Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia Istriana, and Incrocio Bruni 54 vines are not permitted, as specified by the Consortium.
Vernaccia riserva requires ageing in barrels (preferably wooden ones) for at least 11 months, to which a further 3 months are added in the bottle. These are straw-coloured wines, tending to gold in the case of ageing, while the nose suggests fruity notes that may turn to spicy notes with time. On the palate there is a good harmony and an almondy aftertaste.
In order to be able to perceive its full bouquet and grasp the different aromatic nuances, it is important to sip Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG at the right temperature in an open goblet to allow the bouquet to escape.
Pairings of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Ideal as an aperitif, perhaps on a hot summer's day, it is much appreciated with white meats, salads, vegetables, fish or seafood first courses. Nor does it disdain an excellent saffron risotto, especially if the Vernaccia is Riserva. Moreover, it is a wine that pairs perfectly with hors d'oeuvres or with omelettes, savoury pies and eggs in general.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano: from the Middle Ages to today
The earliest traces date back to 1200, a period when Vernaccia was already mentioned. Not surprisingly, even Dante Alighieri, a hundred years later, mentions this wine in his Divine Comedy, in combination with eels.
In the second half of the 15th century, the white Vernaccia wine was requested by the richest for wedding banquets, an example being the families of Lorenzo the Magnificent and Ludovico il Moro, as well as some other families of the Visconti dynasty. Coming to the present day, it is interesting to confirm that Vernaccia is the first Italian wine to be awarded the DOC denomination, in 1966, which will become DOCG in 1993.
In 2010, production methods were changed to modernise and optimise the production process, and the specifications were also updated, becoming stricter and more ironclad. The aim is to obtain a wine that represents excellence not only of Tuscany, but of the entire nation in the wine sector.
It is no coincidence that the Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG offered by several local wineries have won important prizes and awards. Examples include the Panizzi, Cesani, Il Palagione, Il Colombaio and Tenuta Le Calcinaie wineries.