Vernaccia di San Gimignano
About the wine
Vernaccia di San Gimignano holds a unique place in Italian wine history as the first wine to receive DOC status in 1966, later elevated to DOCG in 1993. Produced exclusively in the hills surrounding the medieval town of San Gimignano in Tuscany, this white wine is crafted primarily from the Vernaccia di San Gimignano grape, known for its vigor and historical significance. The wine is defined by its pale straw color, which develops golden highlights with age, and a palate that is dry, harmonious, and sapid, often featuring a signature almond finish. While the base wine is known for its delicate, fruity, and mineral-forward profile, the 'Riserva' typology offers greater structure and complexity. The unique Pliocene soils—rich in yellow sands and sandy clays—combined with a sub-Mediterranean climate, provide the ideal terroir for this ancient variety. It remains a rare example of a white wine in Italy that is traditionally produced in both standard and long-aged Riserva versions, reflecting a deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Grape varieties
Production & aging
The production area is strictly limited to the hilly terrain within the municipality of San Gimignano, located in the province of Siena, Tuscany. The vineyards are situated at altitudes not exceeding 500 meters above sea level, characterized by Pliocene-origin soils consisting of yellow sands and sandy clays, which are essential for the wine's distinct mineral profile and longevity.