Vernaccia di San Gimignano; Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG [ver-NAHT-chah dee sahn jee-mee-NYAH-noh]
1. A white-wine grape grown in Italy’s Tuscany region, primarily southwest of Florence around the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. Vernaccia di San Gimignano dates back as far as the thirteenth century, and its origins are thought to be Greek. The wines produced from this variety vary tremendously. Traditionally made, they’re golden in color, rich, and full-bodied (see body), with an oxidized style and a slightly bitter edge to the flavor. More modern winemaking techniques produce paler-colored wines with crisper, lighter characteristics. 2. A DOCG area based around the town of San Gimignano that was the very first to receive DOC status when Italy began implementing its wine-classification system in 1966. It was upgraded to DOCG status in 1993, and at the same time approval was given for up to 10 percent Chardonnay grapes to be added. In addition to the reputation for the wines produced from its namesake grape, the town of San Gimignano is renowned for its medieval atmosphere. It’s replete with tall, narrow towers that were built during a time when higher was considered better and safer.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.