Tuscany

DOC for red and rosé wine in the wine-growing region of Tuscany in Italy. The zone includes the commune of San Gimignano, from which the name is taken, in the province of Siena, to the north-west of the town of the same name. The luxurious palaces and high towers of the town of San Gimignano, which is characterised by many towers, mostly date back to the 12th century. In medieval times, the town had an important strategic location on the roads connecting Florence, Siena and Pisa. The most important road was the Via Francigena, which not only led pilgrims to Rome, but was also an important route for trade, including the wines of the region. Rosso (also made as a Novello and Riserva) and Rosato are made from Sangiovese (50-100%), as well as optionally from other permitted red varieties (up to 50%). If the Rosso contains a minimum of 85% of Sangiovese, it may state this fact on the label. The Vin Santo (in Secco and Amabile versions) has an alcohol content of 16,5% vol and is matured for three years (of which 4 months in the bottle) is made from Trebbiano Toscano (30-100%), Malvasia del Chianti (up to 50%), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (up to 20%), as well as optionally from other permitted white varieties (up to 10%). The sweet rosé Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice is made from Sangiovese (70-100%), as well as optionally from other permitted red varieties (up to 30%). The white wine made from Vernaccia grapes was the first wine in Italy to be awarded DOC status in 1966, it was then classified as DOCG Vernaccia di San Gimignano in 1993.