Amid the rolling hills and towering cypress trees in Tuscany, I discovered Tenuta Torciano Winery. Located in San Gimignano (35 minutes from Florence; 20 from Siena), the winery has been owned and operated for fifteen generations, over 300 years.
I took part in a lateral wine tasting, wich begann with a Vernaccia and concluded with Terrestre Super Tuscan, and included a Chianti, Chianti Classico “Doge”, Vino nobile di Montepulciano and a Brunello di Montalcino. The vineyard serves cured meats, cheeses and homemade bread along with their own extra virgin olive oil. They also offer lunch, comprised of a three-course meat of family favorite recipes, for those who can pay a longer visit to the winery.
What is Vernaccia?
Although the family runs four additional wineries, the property in San Gimignano is where they produce Vernaccia di San Gimignano, an amazing dry anch crisp wine made from at least 90% Vernaccia grapes.
Vernaccia grapes must be planted in sandstone-based vineyards, limiting its production to San Gimignano. In the 1960’s Vernaccia di San Gimignano experienced a resurgence; its distinctive crisp qualities estabilished it as a popular alternative to the blander wines produced from Trebbiano and Malvasia blends. It’s a simple everyday wine with a straw yellow color, a fresh fruity bouquet and characteristic slightly bitter aftertaste. Vernaccia pairs perfectly with steamed, baked or grilled fish.
Evoo, too
In addition to their amazing wines, Tenuta Torciano produces a very delicious extra virgin olive oil. The olive trees are on the property, and the Evoo is pressed from 100% Leccino variety of olives (no blending). The Leccino olives have a delicate and wonderful flavor with notes of fresh grass, parsley, chive, celery and green apple. It is not too aggressively bitter or spicy and has a simple white pepper finish.
If you are planning a visit to Tuscany, Tenuta Torciano is a must. If you can’t wait, however, order from their website and they will ship to you directly from their U.S. warehouse.
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Article by Stephanie C. DeMarco (SipTripping)