Vernaccia di San Gimignano San Quirico 2005

Spring has sprung and in the cool evenings we have begun cooking with friends traditional Italian recipes. Our group is divided into those who cook, those who bring the wine and those who eat. Last night Raffaella prepared Cozze Marinara, in English Linguine Mussel Marinara. Most Americans think that Marinara is a tomato based sauce however this is not my experience. Marinara means from the Sea. I prepared a Shrimp Cocktail while Raffaella scrubbed the Mussels. A Pinot Grigio made the preparation a lot more fun.

We had advised our Sommelier, the gentleman who maintains the wine cellar for our dinners, that white was the weapon of choice. Unfortunately I have been somewhat disappointed lately with the local selection of Italian wines, not finding the great selection that we would expect from the #1 exporter to the US. He pulled out a Vernaccia di San Gimignano San Quirico 2005. Vernaccia is a great wine with both Sea Fish and Shell Fish. It is flavorful yet delicate with just enough acidity to clean the mouth without dominating a delicate fish sauce like Marinara.

Gimignano, in the province of Siena, is known as the medieval Manhattan with its tall block like towers. It is not very well known outside of Italians but is a neat little vacation destination. Vernaccia is produced only in Gimignano thus the production is relatively limited. It may not be easy to find Vernaccia but it is worth the effort. An additional note is that Vernaccia di San Gimignano San Quirico 2005 is made with organic grapes (as defined under recent Italian legislation).

Grape: Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Color: Intense Yellow tending toward green.

Bouquet: Intense and elegant bouquet of bitter almonds and ripe fruit.

Flavor: Mature peaches, almonds and exotic fruits. Simple structure but persistent flavor.

Alcohol: Minimum 12%.

Serving Temperature: 10-12 c.

Glass: White wine glass.

Other Producers worth checking out:

Vincenzo Cesani, Tel. 0577.955084
Guicciardini Strozzi-Fattoria Cusona, Tel. 0577.950028
La Rampa di Fugnano, Tel. 0577.941655
Montenidoli, Tel. 0577.941565
Pietraserena, Tel. 0577.940083

Tags: Vernaccia White Wine Italian Wine Tuscany Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy