Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 2021

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 2021 / Abbazia Monte Oliveto / Tuscany

White wine from Italy

The Abbazia Monte Oliveto winery is located within sight of the town of San Gimignano in central Tuscany. With its medieval family towers, the city is also called "Medieval Manhattan". In 1982, the Zonin family acquired the winery, which takes its name from an abbey built by Olivetan monks in 1340. And like the monks in the Middle Ages, wine and olives are also cultivated today. The Abbazia Monte Oliveto winery now covers an area of 35 hectares, 20 of which are planted with the autochthonous grape variety Vernaccia, 10 hectares are planted with olive trees and the remaining 5 hectares are planted with ancient holm oaks and cypresses.

The name Vernaccia is not exactly specified, as it is used for several white wine and red wine varieties in Italy. The name Vernaccia is often found because it derives from the Italian word vernacolo (native). You can tell exactly what kind of grape variety it is from the suffix to the name, which indicates the town in which the wine is grown. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano is therefore an autochthonous grape variety that has been cultivated in the area around the town of San Gimignano for a very long time.

Even the Etruscans knew that excellent wine can be cultivated in the area. The unique terroir, characterized by a mild climate in winter and strong temperature fluctuations between day and night in summer, is indeed perfectly suited to viticulture. The grapes are grown using the espalier method, harvested by hand, quickly transported to the winery and carefully selected. The vinification method allows for a gentle treatment of the grapes at all stages of production, in order to bring out the primary aromas and the particular freshness and consistency of this typical white wine variety. After destemming, the fruit is gently pressed by gravity and without the use of pumps, and the must obtained then ferments at a constantly controlled temperature. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG from Abbazia Monte Oliveto then partially matures in steel tanks before being filtered and bottled no earlier than seven months after harvest.

This Vernaccia exudes a fine and penetratingly fruity bouquet with delicate hints of green apple, melon, and citrus fruit. There are hints of flint and freshly picked flowers in the background. With its straw yellow colour streaked with deep reflections, it is dry, fresh and balanced on the palate. The elegant body ends with a mild almond finish.

At the recommended serving temperature of approximately 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG from Abbazia Monte Oliveto unveils a delightful array of culinary companions. This exquisite white wine realizes its full potential when paired harmoniously with Italian appetizers such as bruschetta, olives, pickled vegetables, and a selection of cheeses. Thanks to its excellent acidity structure, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano also proves to be the perfect accompaniment to seafood, including mussels, shrimp, and other delicate specialties from the sea. It complements pasta dishes exceptionally well, especially those with light sauces based on tomatoes, lemon, or cream. The wine's versatility extends to poultry dishes, whether grilled, roasted, or prepared in delicate light sauces. Furthermore, it pairs excellently with vegetarian dishes, particularly those featuring grilled or roasted vegetables. As an aperitif, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano presents itself as a slightly daring but exceptionally appealing choice. Immerse yourself in the world of this exquisite wine and let its versatility captivate you.

General properties

• Vintage: 2021
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Abbazia Monte Oliveto - Località Monte Oliveto, 15 - 53037 S. Gimignano (SI) - Italia - +39 0577 907 136
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape variety: 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
• Winemaking: The grapes are raised using the espalier method, harvested by hand and carefully selected. The vinification method considers the gentle treatment of the grapes at all stages of production to emphasize the primary aromas and the freshness and consistency of this typical white wine variety.
  
• Sensory characteristics:: Fine, penetrating, fruity on the nose with light notes of green apple. Dry. Balanced taste, elegant with a mild almond-like finish.
• Colour: Light straw yellow with greenish reflections.
• Alcohol content: 13.0% Vol.
• Residual sugar: 2.0 g/l
• Total acidity: 5.5 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving suggestion: Harmonizes perfectly with antipasti. Ideal for seafood and pasta dishes with light sauces. Excellent with poultry dishes and vegetarian fare. Somewhat daring, yet still an appealing aperitif.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 10 and 12°C.
• Allergen: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 6024503920
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres

Grape variety

VERNACCIA

The Vernaccia, a white grape variety of particular significance, is closely intertwined with the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. The soils in and around San Gimignano are characterized by clay and limestone, imparting the wines from the Vernaccia grape with their distinctive minerality and freshness. The Romans already cultivated this grape variety in the region during ancient times, but it wasn't until the Middle Ages that the Vernaccia grape gained its outstanding reputation in San Gimignano, a position it maintains to this day. In 1966, Vernaccia di San Gimignano achieved a milestone by becoming the first Italian wine to receive the coveted DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) classification. This marked a crucial step in recognizing the quality and unique character of this grape variety. Over the subsequent decades, winemakers focused on continually improving the quality of Vernaccia wines. Technological advancements and a deeper understanding of viticulture and oenological practices contributed to refining the wine further. In 1993, Vernaccia di San Gimignano earned another accolade, becoming the first white wine in Italy to attain DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status – the highest quality designation emphasizing the uniqueness and excellence of Vernaccia wines. In recent times, many winemakers have introduced modern viticultural methods to enhance quality while still honouring the traditional aspects of Vernaccia production. The robust Vernaccia plants exhibit medium to late ripening and thrive in warm, sunny climates – ideal conditions found in Tuscany. The medium-green leaves of the Vernaccia vine are medium to large, round, and deeply lobed. The grapes themselves are typically medium to large, compact, and conical in shape, with berries that are round and yellow green. Vernaccia grapes are used to produce dry, fresh, and vibrant white wines. These wines are characterized by excellent acidity and a broad flavour profile ranging from citrus fruits to floral and mineral notes. Vernaccia di San Gimignano is often noted for its ability to age gracefully. In its youth, it displays freshness and fruitiness, evolving into complexity with age. Some vintages may reveal additional nuances and a pleasant development after several years of bottle aging.

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