Wine Country: Italy

Wine Subregion: Tuscany

Wine Varietal: Vernaccia

Anyone who has been to the beautiful medieval Tuscan town of San Gimignano knows that everywhere you turn on the winding path to the top of the city, there’s an enoteca selling Vernaccia, that most local of local of whites.  Alas, a lot of it is indifferently made, pretty innocuous and best left right there where you found it or in that €6 carafe with lunch.  But those who take Vernaccia seriously in the vineyard and in the cellar can make a truly wonderful, crisp, refreshing and characterful white that’s relevant far beyond the walls of the city.  Fontaleoni has been PRIMA’s main source for Vernaccia for over 40 years and it continues to impress us with its quality and value.  It does what a Vernacia is meant to do- drink well, provide pleasure and remind you of one of the most beautiful places in Italy!  Think fresh florals here- faded jasmine even- with plenty of Golden Delicious apple fruit and a crunchy, snappy finish.  Classic!  There is no better partner for drinking on its own or alongside a platter of smoked Tuscan salami and Pecorino.  A case of this will absolutely not be enough to get you through the warm weather season that’s now upon us, especially at $17 a bottle!