The places of San Gimignano

San Gimignano, in the province of Siena, is a very famous tourist resort in virtue of its artistic beauties, the favourable geografical position and the temperate climate that renders it an ideal destination during all the year. It is situated on top of a hill from where overlooks the surrounding Val d'Elsa and its altitude favours the presence of a great number of tourists above all during the hotter months when the temperature's values are lower than in the valley. Why visiting San Gimignano? The medieval architecture and the towers San Gimignano is well known for its recognizable medieval architecture and the numerous towers that have a great impact on visitors. Tourists remain fascinated opposite these constructions, evident symbol of the ancient power . At present there are only 13 towers but it seems that in the past they were 72, one for any well off family, that through the tower's edification showed its economic power. Today it's possible to observe how the edification of towers has changed during the centuries, assuming different characteristics. The first towers were marked by small spaces inside (generally 1 metre for 2) with a few openings and a wall thickness of about two meters to ensure cold in summer and warm in winter. From the twelfth century the reference model becomes that of the Pisan towers, with more spaces inside and more openings.

Monuments

The historical centre of San Gimignano hosts artistic works of great value, amongst which: the Collegiata di S. Maria Assunta built in the XII century. It hosts frescos depicting Stories of Old Testament dating back to '300, (expression of the Senese art) made by Barna da Siena, Bartolo di Fredi e Taddeo di Bartolo and frescos dating back to '400, (expression of the art of Florence). The Chiesa di S. Agostino, with frescos by Benozzo Bozzoli and where there is even a Coronation by Pollaiolo. The Palace of Podestà that preserves a fresco by Sodomia. The Tank's Square triangular-shaped, with terracotta tiles floor and a beautiful well in the centre San Gimignano has a rich wine and food tradition that contributes in a significant way to its tourist success. Amongst its most famous products: the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine produced in a small area of Tuscany, appreciated and exported around the world; the famous Pure Saffron of San Gimignano, cultivated with natural methods, that tastefully enhances the typical dishes of local production. In addition there is also the working hand-made of wild boar sausages and fine cheeses. San Gimignano events Ferie delle Messi dei Cavalieri di Santa Fina (ON THE THIRD WEEKEND OF JUNE) It is a historical manifestation that takes place in the streets and squares of San Gimignano to celebrate the harvest. Groups in costume, coming from different parts of Tuscany, walk through the streets creating a faithful reconstruction of medieval daily life. For the occasion, a large market is set up with stalls and craftsmen at work intent on making the traditional objects of the place in wood, stone, gold, ceramic and fabric. Performances of singers, musicians, acrobats, actors, magicians and fortune tellers are the setting of the event, while during the Sunday the two most awaited appointments take place: the historical parade with knights and militias and the jousting tournament that has like prize the coveted Golden Sword.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Vernaccia di San Gimignano has a prestigious location in the Tuscan wine scene. Its relief derives from a centuries-old tradition that dates (according definite information) to the middle of the thirteenth century, as well as an objective quality of the product. Drink once enjoyed by popes and princes over the centuries has been able to combine the excellent quality of the wine to its unbeatable landscaped surroundings of the San Gimignano area. Few wines in the world, in fact, can boast a "frame" just as famous.

In 1993, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG boasts the granting of the mark and is the first Tuscan white to get it; from then on, it was the subject of constant evolution both in the vineyard as in the winery until reaching levels of great quality and a widespread reputation in international markets.
The wine tasting, in fact, turns out to be attractive to a type of wine tourism, in San Gimignano (Siena) and throughout Tuscany. Production area
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is produced exclusively in vineyards located in hilly terrain in the town of San Gimignano. The vineyard area is about 850 hectares, with an average annual production of 45,000 hectoliters of wine. Importantly, the degree of utilization of the Vernaccia is among the highest in Tuscany, about 90% of production potential. The Vines
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is obtained from grapes of the same vine, with the possible presence of other non-aromatic white grape varieties recommended or authorized (up to a maximum of 10%). In recent years, companies have resorted more and more frequently these blended wines, which ultimately further value to the basic variety. In each case the yield of grapes per hectare may not exceed 90 tons. Organoleptic characteristics
Vernaccia di San Gimignano has a pale straw yellow color tending to golden with aging; the scent is fine and penetrating, while the taste is dry and harmonious with a bitter aftertaste. The minimum alcohol content is 11 ° (11.5 ° for the Reserve, after a mandatory minimum age of one year and a further four months of bottle aging). Gastronomy
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is an excellent considered wine as an aperitif, with appetizers especially sea and exquisite when paired with all dishes based on fish and shellfish, also perfect with white meat. It serves fersco, at a temperature of 11-12 ° C. Source
"Wines of Tuscany: Characteristics of the DOCG and DOC of Tuscany" by the Library of the Tuscan Regional Council, 1999- See also  Consorzio Denominazione San Gimignano - Vernaccia di Sangimignano DOCG

Other wines from San Gimignano

The territory of San Gimignano boasts the production of different wines to Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin Controlled with a wide range of types: red, new, red reserve, rosé, Vin Santo and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice, in addition to red and rosé Sangiovese specifications (the latter recognized only in August 1996).
The production area is very well suited to viticulture and for its geological characteristics and for the professionalism of the winemakers. Particular attention is paid to ecology and the environment: are very numerous wine growers who participate in guided and integrated pest management programs having for objective the respect of the environment and the health of the products.

The wine sector is about the town of San Gimignano the most important economic activity for both productivity and employment. Wine production are also linked historical and cultural aspects that contribute to make it one of the most prestigious of the Region Tuscany: these wines have very old memories (local farmers called the red wine "Black" wine), without speaking Vin Santo so called since time immemorial.
The tourism industry benefits from this type of activity, as the food and wine is today an important attraction; the tourist experience is not complete without at least a wine tasting in San Gimignano (Siena) or Tuscany. Production area
The DOC and DOCG wines of San Gimignano (Siena) have to be produced from grapes from vineyards located exclusively within the City, in the hilly areas with good exposure and higher altitude to 500 meters above sea level.

The Vines
The red types, novel and red reserves are obtained from Sangiovese (minimum 50%) and other red grapes up to a maximum of 50%; there is also the Sangiovese specification if the same vine represents at least 85% of the ampelographic base.
The rosé is obtained from type: Sangiovese (minimum 60%), Canaiolo Nero (up to a maximum of 20%), Tuscan Trebbiano, Malvasia del Chianti and Vernaccia di San Gimignano (up to a maximum of 15%), most other vines red grapes for a maximum of 15%; also for the rosé it is provided the Sangiovese specification.
The Vin Santo is obtained from the Chianti Malvasia grapes (up to a maximum of 50%), Trebbiano (minimum 30%), Vernaccia di San Gimignano (maximum 20%) and other vines for a maximum of 10%. The Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice is made from Sangiovese (70-100%), with the eventual addition of other red grape varieties.
The maximum yield per hectare must not exceed 100 quintals for all types.

Organoleptic characteristics
San Gimignano Rosso: ruby ​​red color of varying intensity, tending to garnet with aging; vinous, delicate; dry, harmonious, full-bodied, tannic; alcoholic strength of 11.5 ° (12 ° for the Reserve).
San Gimignano Novello: Light ruby ​​red with violet hues; a winey, fruity, intense; mellow flavor, vellulato, savory; 11°.
San Gimignano Rosato: more or less intense pink color with ruby ​​reflections; a winey, fruity, delicate grape just pressed; harmonious delicate flavor and velvety; 10.5°.
San Gimignano Vin Santo: color from golden to more or less intense; ethereal, intense, delicate; flavor from dry, full, soft, persistent; 16.5°.
San Gimignano Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice: color from deep pink to pale pink; strong smell; sweet, soft, velvety, round; 16°.

Gastronomy
The red wines are well accompany red meats, roasts, game and aged cheeses; excellent cold cuts with rosy; cakes and pastries for the various types of Vin Santo. Source
"Wines of Tuscany: Characteristics of DOC and DOCG in Tuscany" by the Library of the Regional Council of Tuscany, 1999 - See also Consorzio Denominazione San Gimignano