San Gimignano

The Protected Designation of Origin "San Gimignano" identifies a wide range of wines: red, red Riserva, rosè, Vinsanto (or Vin Santo) and Vinsanto Occhio di Pernice. To these are added the single-variety productions: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir. All single-variety wines can also be accompanied by the mention Riserva.

Grapes

The red and rosè wines of the "San Gimignano" denomination are made from grapes from vineyards made up of 50% Sangiovese, accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir (maximum 40%, alone or in combination), as well as other non-aromatic red grapes, suitable for cultivation in Toscana (maximum 15%). For Vinsanto, on the other hand, Trebbiano Toscano (minimum 30%), Malvasia del Chianti (maximum 50%), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (maximum 20%) and any other white grapes identified as above (maximum 10%) are required. The composition of the Vinsanto Occhio di Pernice is different, with a minimum of 50% Sangiovese, together with other suitable vines. Finally, in all variants with an indication of the vine variety, this must represent at least 85% of the total grapes, always combined with other similar grape varieties.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

From the point of view of appearance, the red wines (12% vol.) of San Gimignano are presented in a pleasant ruby hue, which the aging process turns to garnet. The rosé (vol. 11.5%), however, has a color that can be more or less charged, while the Vinsanto (vol. 16.5%) goes from straw yellow to golden (in the basic type) or from deep pink to pale pink (in Occhio di Pernice). From an olfactory point of view, all wines have delicate, intense and varietal aromas, while the taste is dry and harmonious (soft and velvety Vinsanto). Further specifications can be found in the specification.

Grape production area

The production area coincides only with the municipality of San Gimignano, in the province of Siena.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture in the area of San Gimignano has very ancient roots and it is presumed to have been started by the Etruscans.