Fontaleoni Vernaccia Di San Gimignano 2020
The Wine
Vernaccia is a white Italian wine/grape produced around the Tuscan town of San Gimignano. It was the first Italian wine to be awarded Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status in 1966.
This 100% vernaccia is from 35+ year old vines, hand-harvested with soft pressing and fermentation and ageing taking place in stainless steel tanks. A bit of old vine material, high altitude and low yields with gentle handling in the winery produce an incredibly vibrant vernaccia with a ton of energy and wonderful plush fruit that sings along. They seem to be able to extract every bit of goodness out of this bottling and make it seem effortless to drink.
The 2019 Vernaccia di S. Gimignano is an absolutely delicious, every day white. Apricot, tangerine oil, mint, chamomile and yellow flowers all grace this tasty, supple Vernaccia from Fontaleoni. ANTONIO GALLONI
"Such an underrated grape and DOC. Drank this over 3 days and showed a slightly different side at each sitting. A flavorsome and textural vino, the QPR is simply remarkable!" TC
The Details
Variety - Vernaccia
Country - Italy
Region - Tuscany
Sub Region - San Gimignano
Extra - Screwcap
Year - 2020
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Founded by the Troiani family in 1959 this small estate based in the picturesque town of San Gimignano has vineyards located at 200 meters above sea level, the ideal altitude for growing the Vernaccia variety. Low yields, gentle pressing and conscientious winemaking, produce clear, vibrant expressions of Vernaccia and Sangiovese.
Now in the hands of brother and sister team Matteo and Simona, it's very hard not to love what they have done with a little help from consultant Paolo Caciorgna in taking this estate to top echelons of the region. This quality-focused estate has worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of production. This small grower has squarely moved against the grain of the bigger quantity over quality establishments by doing all the right things and the praise from the press and punters is proof of that.
The vineyards planted on the verdant green hills that surround their family home are tended by hand and the yields kept low enough that it should make many of their neighbours blush. There is a strong move towards organic production spear-headed by Matteo and Simona with minimal sulphur additions, organic-based fertilizers and no herbicides.
These are beautiful wines that speak of their vineyards and equally the family style of digestibility and ease of consumption. Excitingly the latest and future shipments have also been secured with screwcap- just another positive from this wonderful producer.