D'Andrea Wine & Liquor Imports, Inc.

San Gimignano rises on a hill 384 mt high and dominates the Elsa valley with the skyline of its 13 towers. The Manhattan like sky scrapers were built between the 12 and the 13th century. Not unlike today, the towers were a symbol of the economic powers of the noble families of that region.The Vernaccia vine has been growing in the charming hillsides which surround this middle-age town since 1200 ad. This is the vine for the production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which for centuries has tempted popes, honored magnificent feasts of the renaissance princes, and has won a growing fame over time.

Because of Vernaccia di San Gimignano’s ancient tradition and unquestionable quality, the wine was the first to be awarded DOC recognition in 1966. Since 1993 the Vernaccia di San Gimignano has entered into the category of DOCG recognition. The Signano Estate began its activity in 1961, when the Biagini Family purchased a small plot of land of 4.5 Ha. in Signano. Prior to the planting of his first vineyard in Vernaccia, Ascanio earned a reputation as bailiff to a land-owner from Florence where he maintained a broad reputation for his knowledge of the vineyards and wines of the region. The first cellar was built in 1966 and the lands adjacent to it were purchased in the following years for vineyards.

The leased vineyards and olive groves create the present Estate that covers approximately 30 Ha. Most of the Estate is cultivated with Vernaccia, but 3 Ha. are dedicated to the production of Vin Santo (dessert wine) and 6 additional Ha. are used for the production of extra virgin olive oil. Today, the cellar has a capacity of 205,000 litres with an additional ninetyfive 100 litre oak casks for the maturation of Vin Santo.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano: the grapes are softly pressed and fermented under a cool controlled temperature without the skins for 20 days. The result is a hearty, clean, straight forward white wine with basic lemon flavors accented by a nutty texture that reveals itself in the finish. The wine has lots of personality that will stand alone as an aperitif or with lighter fare.

Vin Santo is made with Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, dried for three months. The wine is fermented in 100 litre oak casks (caratelli), and then left to mature in smaller barrique for 4 years. It is a rich and complex dessert wine with flavors of vanilla, almonds and pecans. The flavors are nearly dry, smooth and well balanced. Vernaccia Riserva has been produced by the selected grapes from the oldest vineyard.

The must is barrel fermented in three types of barrique and matured for 8 months. Ascanio perfects his own final blend which results in a dry wine with golden reflexes and a penetrating bouquet.

We are now carrying Vernaccia San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi.