- The oldest wine in Tuscany
- How to taste Vernaccia
- Where to buy and drink it in San Gimignano
- Historic producers to visit
- How to Get There from Hotel La Magione
- Conclusion
There is a Tuscan white wine that has crossed centuries with elegance and character. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is not only the first Italian wine to have received DOCG status in 1993: it is a liquid identity, fragrant of white flowers and sun-warmed stone, that tells seven centuries of winemaking history in a medieval village unique in the world.
Drinking it in San Gimignano, seated in Piazza della Cisterna or on a terrace overlooking the towers, is one of those simple and perfect moments you carry with you forever.
The oldest wine in Tuscany
Vernaccia is first mentioned in the municipal records of San Gimignano in 1276. It is an indigenous variety, grown on clay and limestone soils in the hills surrounding the village. Dante cites it in Purgatorio. Pope Martin IV, according to Boccaccio, loved it so much he could not do without it.
Centuries of history in a glass. And still today, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is a white wine of character: not a light and unremarkable white, but a wine with acidic backbone, mineral notes and a structure that makes it interesting on the table too.
How to taste Vernaccia
Vernaccia is served cold, between 8 and 10 degrees, in a white wine glass. On the nose: white flowers, peach, almond, an almost saline mineral note. On the palate: dry, fresh, with vibrant acidity and a slightly bitter aftertaste characteristic of the variety.
Ideal pairings: Tuscan antipasti (crostini, cured meats), legume soups, pasta with light sauce, baked fish, white meat. In summer, on a terrace with a view, it accompanies the sunset with a light and unforgettable presence.
Where to buy and drink it in San Gimignano
San Gimignano has dozens of wine bars. The best are found in Piazza della Cisterna and in the streets of the historic centre. Look for those that offer Vernaccia as a standalone tasting: many wineries offer direct tastings with vineyard visits.
The Vernaccia Museum of San Gimignano (inside the Rocca) tells the history of the wine with historic artefacts, ancient barrels and, of course, tastings. A fascinating and engaging place that is absolutely worth a visit.
Historic producers to visit
Among producers not to miss: Teruzzi, one of the historic wineries that contributed to the Vernaccia renaissance in the 1970s. Panizzi, for high-end Vernaccia. Cesani, for those who love artisan producers. Montenidoli, with spectacular vineyards and wines of great personality.
Many of these wineries are just a few minutes from San Gimignano, along dirt roads that pass through vineyards and olive groves. Driving here, in spring or autumn, is a pleasure for all the senses.
How to Get There from Hotel La Magione
From Hotel La Magione in Poggibonsi, San Gimignano is only 15 minutes away. The convenience of a base this close allows you to visit the village multiple times: early in the morning (without crowds), late afternoon (with golden light on the towers), and return in the evening for a quiet tasting at a wine bar.
Conclusion
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is more than a wine: it is a story of centuries, of medieval villages, of hills fragrant with wild rose and olive. Drinking it here, in the place where it is born, is a rare and precious privilege. A sip that carries with it all the beauty of this land.Ready to experience Tuscany?Hotel La Magione is your perfect base.
Book your stayand let yourself be captivated by Tuscan magic.