As part of the 2025 Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest, I set out to explore three significant wine estates: Teruzzi, Poderi Arcangelo, and Il Palagione. Each winery presents a compelling narrative of terroir expression, sustainable viticulture, and the enduring legacy of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany’s iconic white wine and the first Italian white to receive DOCG status.
Vernaccia
Vernaccia is a varietal that holds a unique position in the Italian wine lexicon. This grape variety, cultivated almost exclusively in the San Gimignano area, produces Tuscany’s only DOCG-classified white wine. Its hallmark lies in its vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and mineral depth.
Grape & Vinification: The Vernaccia grape is gently pressed and fermented at low temperatures to preserve its delicate aromatic compounds.
Aging Regulations: Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG requires a minimum aging of 11 months in the cellar and 3 months in bottle before release.
Organoleptic Profile: Typically, light to medium-bodied, this wine expresses crisp citrus notes, golden apple, and a distinctive bitter almond finish.
General Tasting Notes: Floral and citrus aromas, with nuances of pear, herbs, and minerality. The palate is marked by freshness, structured acidity, and a long, saline finish.
Optimal Serving Temperature: Chilled between 8°C for an aperitivo and 12°C with meals to highlight either freshness or textural complexity.
Teruzzi: A Vanguard of Vernaccia Innovation
Teruzzi, founded in 1974 by Enrico Teruzzi and his wife Carmen, is today owned by Terra Moretti. The estate spans 180 hectares, with 96 under vine, including 62 dedicated to Vernaccia. This makes Teruzzi the largest estate dedicated to Vernaccia. Teruzzi blends advanced winemaking technology with deep respect for San Gimignano’s traditions.
Their vineyards are planted at varying elevations and have a variety of soil compositions, contributing to complex and age-worthy wines. Teruzzi’s flagship, Terre di Tufi, a white Toscana IGT blend, is considered a “Super Tuscan Bianco” and is emblematic of the estate’s modern vision. I found that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG “Isola Bianca” stood out for its mineral-driven profile, citrus blossom aromatics, with saline finish, highlighting the varietal’s capacity for structure and finesse.
With state-of-the-art vinification equipment and a commitment to sustainable practices, Teruzz exemplifies how tradition and technology can harmoniously co-exist. The wine estate produces high-quality wines while respecting the local heritage and ancient history of Tuscany’s great winemaking tradition. Teruzzi epitomizes the vision of the Moretti family, a commitment to advancing estates with a strong place of origin, heritage, nobility and personality, like that of San Gimignano!
Teruzzi Website: https://www.teruzzi.it
Tasting Notes:
2019 Teruzzi ‘Isola Bianca’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Fruity notes on the nose, integrated with a strong mineral presence. On the palate, the wine is fresh and structured with a floral backbone, citrus lift, and a persistent almond-tinged finish.
Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer
Poderi Arcangelo: A Sustainable Family-Run Estate
This family-owned estate operates under a holistic organic model that integrates vineyard biodiversity, agritourism, and farm-to-table cuisine. Poderi Arcangelo blends Tuscany’s agrarian past with a modern commitment to sustainability. Nestled atop a hill, surrounded by organic vineyards and olive groves, the estate is a winery and offers agritourism that including glamping, three farmhouses, and an organic barn. They are known for their organic wines, extra virgin olive oil, and commitment to sustainability, offering guests a chance to experience the authentic side of Tuscany, including truffle hunting with the estate’s dog. They also offer wine tastings and cooking classes and feature a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Following a guided vineyard and cellar tour, we enjoyed a light lunch paired with estate wines overlooking the rolling Chianti hills. It is also interesting to note that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is produced from organically grown grapes and fermented in stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir. I found in most of their Vernaccia di San Gimignano notes of golden apple, acacia, and wet stone – a perfect match for the regional dishes!
Website: https://www.poderiarcangelo.it
Tasting Notes:
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG ‘Primo Angelo’ 2024
Pale straw yellow. A penetrating and delicate aroma with notes of fresh fruit and white wildflowers. Dry, fresh, and full-bodied with excellent aromatic persistence. Characteristic almond bitterness in the finish.
Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer
My day concluded with a visit to Il Palagione, an artisanal estate producing high-elevation Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The wine estate is located between 300 and 350 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure and dramatic diurnal shifts, which translate to freshness and aromatic complexity in the wines.
Il Palagione: Artisanal Vernaccia and Altitude Precision
Situated on a hilltop along the road connecting San Gimignano to Volterra, Il Palagione offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and San Gimignano.
Dating back to 1594, Il Palagione is a historic family-run estate located between 300–350 meters above sea level. The estate spans 50 hectares, of which 17 are vineyards, and focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi wines.
Their high-altitude vineyards and small-scale artisanal approach result in expressive, age-worthy wines. Tastings and tours are hosted in their ancient barn overlooking the Tuscan hills.
Production:
Il Palagione focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Vernaccia Riserva, and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG wines, as well as extra virgin olive oil.
Il Palagione is known for producing limited quantities of Vernaccia that are expressive, textured, and cellar-worthy. The Hydra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG stood out for me.
Website: https://www.ilpalagione.com
Tasting Notes:
Il Palagione ‘Ori’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG 2010
Poised and elegant. Notes of lemon zest, quince, poached pear. Balanced and creamy with a subtle oak finish and savory undertones. Wonderful wine 15 years later !!
Score: 94/100
Liz Palmer
My visit in San Gimignano offered more than a tasting tour; it was a masterclass in regional identity and winemaking evolution. Each estate presented its own narrative, illuminating Vernaccia’s potential as a terroir-driven, age-worthy white wine. From Teruzzi’s modern vision and large-scale innovation, to Poderi Arcangelo’s organic embrace of Tuscan tradition, and Il Palagione’s artisanal, high-altitude expression, the experience was an inspiring reminder of how deeply wine can reflect both land and legacy.
