Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Probably Tuscany, Italy
The white grape of the Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano: a crisp, dry wine with a light almond bitterness on the finish.
Sensory profile
Characteristics
Flavor & aroma
At a glance
Production facts
Prevalence
Rare
Climate
Moderate climate
Ripening
Mid season
Wine styles
Still
Where it's grown
Geography
Shaded areas are the state, province or département(s) containing each region, so they run wider than the appellations themselves.
Italy
San Gimignano (Tuscany)
The white of the hill town, a dry wine with crisp acidity and a slightly bitter finish that was Italy's first DOC in 1966.
Background
Origin & History
Vernaccia has been recorded in San Gimignano since at least 1276, in the town's archives. It nearly disappeared in the early 20th century, when growers moved to more productive vines, and was revived by the 1960s. In 1966 the wine became the first Italian wine to be awarded DOC status, and it was raised to DOCG in July 1993. The rules require at least 90% Vernaccia.
Several unrelated Italian grapes share the name Vernaccia, and ampelographers treat this one as a distinct variety. Where it came from is not settled: eastern Europe, Greece and the Italian peninsula have all been suggested. The wine is dry and light in colour, with crisp acidity, delicate aromas and a slightly bitter finish.
Lineage
Family tree
Parentage not recorded — Vernaccia di San Gimignano is an old variety of unknown origin.
No crossings involving Vernaccia di San Gimignano are documented in the collection yet.