Some of the most pleasant D.O.C and D.O.C.G. wines come from the area of San Gimignano in Tuscany. The Tenuto Torciano Estate under the direction of the Giachi Family since 1720 when the only way to make wine was the natural way, as chemicals had not been created at that time. This Family cultivates exclusively Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Trebbiano Toscano, Sangioveese, Malvasia del Chianti, Canaiolo and Colorino vines. From the grapes of these vines come great Tuscan wines like Vernaccia di San Gimignano 'Poggioaicieli', the first Italian wine to receive the D.O.C.G. (Denomination of Controlled Origin)in 1966. It has a fresh, fruity bouquet and yellow strawlike hue that turns golden with age. In 1697 in Tuscany, Bacco wrote"...is anyone exists, who does'nt like Vernaccia, interdicted, damned, let him fly away from me".
One of the loveliest places in Italy is located where the provinces of Siena, Arezzo and Florence meet. In the very heart of this immense cultural and natural heritage, the Innocenti of Florence build the ancient cellars of the Belvedere Farm situate in the village of Casignano on the hills of the Chianti. Managed by the Zappa and Pini Families who, for many years, have lovingly devoted their time to vine and olive tree growing in full respect of nature. This deep love for the natural order of life has yielded its fruit in the Casignano range of wine judged amongst the best in Tuscany by the Italian Association of Wine Technicians in Siena. The range consists of Chianti D.O.C.G. Bianco dei Colli Toscani with a dry, delicate and harmonious taste that lends itself to fish and light dishes. The full-bodied Chianti Casignano is produced according to ancient Tuscan tradition and aged in old oak barrels, whilst the sparkling Casignano Brut can be poured at all times. The wines of Belvedere are known for their distinguished quality.
The Enoteca Italiana in Siena is a fascinating place to visit. Hundreds of D.O.C. and D.O.C.G. wines are carefully selected from all over Italy and showcased in this lovely building. Tastings are offered in the Cantina and there are separate rooms for the rosso and bianco wines.
Another caringly run estate in Siena is Chiara Sanguineti's Pagliarese. Guests from all over Italy and other countries stay at her farm to enjoy the wines and uniquely Tuscan menu. Dishes like mixed antipaste of varied Tuscan crostini, prosciutto and salami, pecorino cheese from the Sienese Crete, oven-baked filled vegetables, homemade pastas, roasted meats, yellow Milanese risotto alongside ossobuco and braised meat with polenta. All the vegetables are freshly picked in the gardens of the Pagliarese. Some of their meritable wines are the 'Il Simpatico' Camerlengo, a deep ruby hued red with a scent of sharpening wood, it has a good body and remarkable texture. The Vernaccia di San Gimignano D.O.C.G. made entirely from Vernaccia grapes is smooth textured, dry with a fresh and elegant taste.
