Vernaccia di San Gimignano

History

Earliest mention 1276 in San Gimignano archives. Medieval town with 72 towers (14 remain) became UNESCO World Heritage site. Michelangelo wrote 1643 that Vernaccia "kisses, licks, bites, hits and sticks." First Italian wine awarded DOC status 1966. Upgraded to DOCG July 9, 1993. Ancient seabed soils with marine fossils define terroir.

At a glance

Climate

Mediterranean with marine influence from ancient seabed soils; 250-350m elevation; limestone, tuff, clay with marine fossils

Signature wines

Panizzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano (organic, 60 hectares since 1989), Montenidoli (organic calcareous), Cesani (organic with clay-fossil soils) - benchmark crisp mineral expressions

What sets it apart

First Italian DOC 1966; Michelangelo admirer 1643; 14 medieval towers UNESCO site; ancient seabed with marine fossils (Pliocene); mineral salty character; 1276 earliest mention

• 700 hectares vineyards
• first Italian DOC 1966
• DOCG 1993
• 1276 earliest mention in San Gimignano archives
• 14 medieval towers (original 72)
• ancient seabed limestone-tuff-clay soils