# St. Giorgio Vernaccia di San Gimignano (2024)

- **Producer:** St. Giorgio by Famiglia Castellani
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Vernaccia
- **Region:** Toscana, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** green apple, pear, grapefruit, lemon, peach, apricot, blossom, honeysuckle, fennel, almond

## About this wine

The St. Giorgio Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2024 is a white wine from Tuscany, Italy, produced by St. Giorgio, a brand of the historic Famiglia Castellani. This wine hails from the renowned San Gimignano appellation, known for its unique Vernaccia grape. Famiglia Castellani, with roots dating back to 1903, is dedicated to vineyard quality, a philosophy that underpins their winemaking. Vernaccia di San Gimignano holds a significant place in Italian wine history, being the first wine to be awarded Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status in 1966. This wine represents a continuation of that esteemed tradition.

## Interesting facts

- First Italian wine to achieve DOC status in 1966.
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano is Tuscany's only white DOCG wine.
- The name 'Vernaccia' may derive from 'vernacular,' meaning local or native.
- The medieval towers of San Gimignano are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and crisp character cut through richer textures and complement delicate seafood. Its subtle herbal notes and citrusy finish harmonize with fresh ingredients and light preparations, while the characteristic almond note provides a lovely bridge to nutty cheeses.

## Wine making process

The St. Giorgio Vernaccia di San Gimignano is produced by Famiglia Castellani, a winery with a long history in Tuscany. The winemaking process emphasizes quality starting from the vineyard. Grapes are gently pressed, and fermentation is conducted at controlled low temperatures, often in cement or stainless steel vats. This method is designed to preserve the wine's freshness and aromatic complexity. While specific aging details for this vintage are not provided, the typical approach for Vernaccia di San Gimignano involves minimal aging in inert vessels to maintain its crisp, vibrant character. The Castellani family also engages in ongoing research and experimentation to enhance their viticultural and winemaking practices.