(ver-NAHTCH-cha)
Synonyms: Vernaccia, Guarnacha, Granaccia, and Granazza
Wine Name: Vernaccia, Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Background: Almost every region in Italy has a Vernaccia grape but they are all different. Vernaccia is derived from the same root as the word “vernacular”; it simply indicates a local grape. The best known Vernaccia is a white wine grape usually associated with San Gimignano in Tuscany Italy. It produces a crisp wine with good acidity, citrus fruit and sometimes butterscotch overtones and tannins on the finish.
Classic Brands and Sources: Le Calcinaie, Casale-Falchini, Vincenzo Cesani, Attilio Contoni, La Lastra, Melini, Montenidioli, Giovanni Panizzi, Il Paradiso, Pietrafitta, La Rampa di Fugnano, Casa alle Vacche, Vagnoni
Characteristics:
Style #1 – typical
Body – light to medium (-) Acidity – medium Sweetness – dry Tannins – slight to low |
Wine and food pairing guidelines:
pairs well with more savory, herbal dishes, and vegetables
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
fish fried, grilled or poached, pork, chicken, pasta that is non-tomato based (cream, butter, cheese), prosciutto, risotto, artichokes, asparagus, beans and other vegetables with herbs, salads with oil dominant dressings
Cheese Pairings:
Boursin (herbed or pepper), goat cheese (aged) , Pecorino, Fontina