Vernaccia San Gimignano

Etymology and Origins: A Brief Historical Overview

Vernaccia San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the first grape varieties to inhabit the Italian peninsula. It was first mentioned in 1276 in the Ordinamenti of Gabella, a small town in the province of Siena, which set an export tax of 3 coins for this white wine. It was later praised and celebrated by none other than Sante Lancerio, Pope Paul III's personal wine-bottler, as a highly prestigious beverage.

During the Middle Ages, it reached its peak and, at the same time, its highest point of popularity and importance, as it was universally considered to be a drink for lords and high ranking figures. Boccaccio mentions it in the third novella of the eighth day of the Decameron, describing the so-called country of Bengodi, whose inhabitants usually spent their days eating and drinking in great abundance. Dante Alighieri in the Canto XXIV of the Purgatory mentions it in reference to Pope Martin IV, who enjoyed it with roasted eels from Lake Bolsena. In addition to the many literary references, there are also artistic and pictorial ones. In the 16th century, this grape symbolised the town of the same name.

After a long period in the spotlight, it was forgotten and almost disappeared, before reappearing in the early post-war period. It was brought back into the limelight by a number of historic wineries (the Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano combination has always been widely acclaimed and popular). The etymological origin of the name is still today shrouded in a certain degree of mystery, with some suggesting its descent from the Latin word vernaculus (literally meaning 'local' or 'homely'), while others believe it is linked to Vernazza, a well-known village in the Cinque Terre region of Liguria. Although these doubts about its origin remain unresolved, it is clear and evident that this vine is historically linked to the Tuscan territory, and this is reflected in the concentration of artistic and literary culture that it represents, sip after sip.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG: a Regional First

Anyone who has ever studied the history of Italian wine will surely remember that Vernaccia San Gimignano was the first Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) in Italy. Precisely since the 6th of May 1966, this prestigious sign of quality can be found on the bottle. This is certainly a great honour, considering that it was on the basis of this recognition that the history of modern winemaking was born, following the phylloxera disaster. This undisputed historical primacy in the Italian territory is followed by another, of equal credit and renown. Since 1993, it has been the only Tuscan white wine to boast the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) designation.

In recent years there has been a qualitative rediscovery of this grape which, like all other agronomic productions, has gone hand in hand with a decrease in quantity. A reduction in yields per hectare, through shorter pruning of the shoots, as well as a slight thinning of the bunches and limited use of fertilisers are practical examples.

Ready to Drink or to Age?

This grape, with its large, elongated bunch and medium-thick, yellowish-green pruinous skin, has a fresh, floral aromatic profile with intriguing notes of dried fruit. When vinification is carried out exclusively in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, the lighter, more vibrant characteristics naturally present in the vine are brought out and consequently it is recommended that the product be consumed in its youth, as an aperitif or with risotto. Many producers have experimented with new winemaking techniques for this highly prized grape, particularly with the use of barrels and barriques. When the use of wood is not too excessive, but rather well calibrated, the ageing potential of this vine emerges in all its power. It presents a rich and enveloping body and a good extractive and alcoholic potential, which is always balanced by elegant minerality and freshness.

Buy the Vernaccia di San Gimignano for sale online on the Callmewine wine shop at a special price and discover the special characteristics and pairings recommended by our expert sommeliers.