A month after the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Preview, winemaker Raffaele Vecchione offers his thoughts on the present and future of Vernaccia, accompanied by tasting notes.
In a Tuscany represented mainly by reds, Vecchione writes, “one has to break the mold to produce great whites and, if necessary, be willing to sacrifice an important part of history and ‘this is how it has always been done’ in order to rise to world levels. (…) With the last two bottled vintages 2018 and 2019 Vernaccia seems to have found the balance in the historical-modern compromise and some producers have paved the road to world success, now all that remains is to walk it!”
For our Vernaccia, scores of 90 or higher:
“Panizzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano Vigna Santa Margherita 2018 – 92. Slightly clouded in sensory identity slowly dispenses notes of lemon peel, chamomile flowers and green tea leaves. Full-bodied, juicy mid-palate and a well-designed harmonious and stylish finish. Drink now or age.”
“Panizzi Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2019 – 90. Reduction dominates the main scene and masks most of the odorous scents. Flint and burnt sage the notes that characterize it. Medium-full body, harmonious and balanced structure and a precise finish. Better with some bottle aging.”
