Vernaccia probably takes its name from the Latin vernaculum, which means "local," "native." This would explain the multitude of grapes referred to by this name. Here we focus on the one from San Gimignano, in Tuscany. This Vernaccia is rich in character and body, dry and alcoholic, with delicate, wide, and slightly aromatic aromas, which tend to enhance with brief aging. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a white wine produced between Siena, Pisa, and Florence in the municipality of San Gimignano.
In 1966 it was the first Italian wine to obtain the DOC, in 1972 the Consortium was established, in 1993 it obtained the DOCG.
The best value-for-money Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Below you will find the best Vernaccia di San Gimignano that cost less than 20 euros in wine shops and online shops and have received the Two Red Glasses 2024, having reached the final during the tastings for the Gambero Rosso's Vini d'Italia guide.
The Vernaccia Riserva Antalis 2020 captivates with its sweet scents of lychee, magnolia, and peach tea, while on the palate it is smooth and articulate with a pleasant finish of yellow fruit and mirabelle plum. Once a convent, Mormoraia has now become an elegant accommodation facility with every comfort overlooking the towers of San Gimignano. The credit goes to Pino Passoni and his wife Franca who, after moving from Milan, fell in love with the Tuscan countryside and created an elegant structure complete with spa and restaurant. The wines are represented in a range of ten labels made with traditional grape varieties such as vernaccia and sangiovese, but also with international grapes. The company is organic and from the ten hectares of olive trees, an excellent extra virgin olive oil is also produced.
The modern-cut Vernaccia di San Gimignano Crocus Ris. 2020 prefers green herbaceous and citrus notes and a sharp acidity that dominates the palate. Casa alle Vacche is the company of the Ciappi Family, Tuscan winemakers in the third generation. The name refers to the presence of stables in the place where the cellar now stands. We are on the San Gimignano side facing Certaldo, the vineyards are partly grouped around the company headquarters, and they rest on predominantly clayey soils with calcareous concretions. Another part of the vineyards is located further north in Pulicciano. In addition to vernaccia, sangiovese, colorino, canaiolo, and malvasia are also cultivated.
The complex Vernaccia Riserva 2019 by Guicciardini Strozzi has incense and amber traits on the nose, is structured on the palate with a balsamic mentholated finish and hints of green pepper.
The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Ori Ris. 2021 from Il Palagione presents itself in a luminous and golden robe with scents ranging from tarragon to ginger, framing a saline and absolutely tasty palate. Il Palagione is an ancient estate dating back to 1594, located south of San Gimignano on the road leading towards Volterra. It was purchased by Giorgio Comotti, a Milanese entrepreneur, in the 1990s and has been conducted in an organic regime since 2007. In the cellar, the company relies on the collaboration of Valentino Ciarla. The vineyards are distributed in two areas: Palagione, around the company headquarters, and in the locality of Montagnana, near the walls of San Gimignano, whose soils rich in yellow sand and marine fossils are the characteristic ones suitable for vernaccia.
The Sanice Riserva 2020 is an exact, traditional, and highly satisfying version of Vernaccia. The aromas range from classic citrus to hinted spice and a light note of dried fruit. The palate is silky, solid with the typical bittersweet almond finish you expect and that does not disappoint. Letizia and Marialuisa are the tireless sisters who lead with passion and determination the company founded by Vincenzo Cesani, their father. The winery and agriturismo are located in Pancole, a couple of kilometers north of San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena; from the terrace where you can taste wines and local products, the view of the Val d'Elsa is impressive. The company also produces extra virgin olive oil in addition to a small production of pure saffron. Not only the enhancement of the territory but also of the people is the beautiful message that Cesani home carries forward.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Sanice Ris. 2020 - Vincenzo Cesani
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