Vernaccia di San Gimignano

The story

What you're tasting

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a DOCG denomination for white wine in standard and Riserva classes. It comes from hillside vineyards in the municipality of San Gimignano, Province of Siena. Vineyards are based on Vernaccia di San Gimignano; other eligible non-aromatic white grapes may contribute up to 15%, while Sauvignon blanc and Riesling together or separately may contribute up to 10%. Riserva requires at least 11 months of maturation from 1 January after the grape-production year and three months in bottle before release.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine below the towers

Know it

Before you buy

Say it: vehr-NAH-chyah dee sahn jee-mee-NYAH-noh
Color: white
Grapes: {"Vernaccia di San Gimignano","Eligible non-aromatic white grapes: maximum 15%","Sauvignon blanc and Riesling: maximum 10% alone or together"}
How to buy: Look for DOCG seal and vintage year. Consider Riserva for premium quality. Check producer reputation.
Spot the fakes: Verify DOCG seal and producer authenticity. Check for proper labeling. Beware of generic Tuscan white labeled as Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Keep it: Unopened: 3-5 years for premium examples. After opening: 2-3 days if properly stored.

The making

How it's made

The current 2024 MASAF specification controls denomination classes, vineyard base, zone, vinification, Riserva maturation, and release characteristics. Producer-specific harvest, cellar, service, pairing, and historical claims require separately displayed evidence.

Demijohns and barrels in an old Italian cantina

Verified details

Each statement below is linked to the record or institution that supports it.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a DOCG denomination reserved for white wine, including a Riserva class, that complies with its production specification.^1,2

The denomination is made from vineyards of Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Other eligible non-aromatic white grapes from Tuscany may contribute up to 15%; the specification separately limits Sauvignon blanc and Riesling to 10% alone or together and excludes named varieties.²

Grapes must come from hillside vineyards in the municipality of San Gimignano, Province of Siena. The specification permits suitable, well-exposed hillside land no higher than 500 metres above sea level.²

Vinification takes place in the municipality of San Gimignano, subject to specified legacy authorisations outside the zone. Riserva requires at least 11 months of maturation from 1 January after the grape-production year, followed by three months in bottle before release.²

At release, the specification describes straw-yellow colour with more pronounced golden reflections with ageing; a delicate, fine aroma with initial fruit notes that may evolve to mineral notes; and a dry, harmonious, savoury palate, sometimes with a characteristic almond finish. Minimum total alcohol is 11.5% by volume for standard and 12.5% for Riserva.²

Sources and citations (2)

Ministero dell'agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foresteVernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, consolidated specification attached to the 15 October 2024 decreeCurrent consolidated specification pageRead source
Ministero dell'agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foresteConsolidated 2024 Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG production specificationArticle 1Read source

Where it's from

The land behind it

RegionTuscany

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