WINES OF CENTRAL ITALY
75
San Quirico
When Andrea Vecchione, proprietor of San Quirico, replanted his original 27 acres of vineyards more than
20 years ago, he was one of few in the area of San Gimignano who took a scientific approach to the task.
The results have been so outstanding that his vineyards are now a prime source for select grafting. With
their southern and western exposures, Andrea’s vineyards have now doubled in size, while his approach to
winemaking still has but one yardstick: quality. His winery is small but efficient and equipped to produce
state-of-the-art wines. In 2004 San Quirico obtained USDA NOP (National Organic Program) certification
for their organic products and the 2005 vintage was the first to be labeled as such.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Grown in hillside vineyards surrounding the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, this wine is made entirely from
Vernaccia grapes. The grapes are chilled immediately following harvest and vinified at low temperatures
in cement vats so that the final wine exudes a fresh, lively character. Since the 2004 vintage, this wine
has been made from USDA-certified organically grown grapes. In a region of reds, this classically spicy
Vernaccia wine shows a different side of Tuscany.
Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in estate vineyards, hand harvested using small
crates, in Chianti’s Colli Senesi subzone. Prior to fermentation in stainless steel, the skins and juice undergo a
long cool maceration to impart rich color, flavor, and phenolics to the final wine. Additionally, since the 2005
vintage, this wine has been made from USDA-certified organically grown grapes.