Aside from the traditional Trebbiano and Malvasia, the most famous and ancient Tuscan variety is Vernaccia from vineyards close to the gorgeous medieval village of San Gimignano, full of the infamous towers. Celebrated as early as the year 1000 AD, even Dante himself was enamored with Vernaccia, speaking of it in the Inferno. The first Italian DOC in 1966, Vernaccia di San Gimignano was promoted to DOCG in 1993 and is better and more stylish than ever. Modern technology, in fact, has saved this delicate grape from the risks of oxidation that once beset it, and aging in oak barrels and barriques has proved particularly suitable to the variety. The finest examples come from prevalently sandstone soils, and combine crisp acidity and rounded texture, elegant floral aromas, excellent structure and flavors – with a characteristic, bitter almondy twist on the finish.
Map of the region
