San Gimignano’s Enduring Grace
View of San Gimignano from the vineyards of Pietraserena.
photo essay by David Moore
Upon arriving at the Porta San Giovanni in San Gimignano, Italy, first time visitors immediately sense its wonder, antiquity and timeless beauty. The narrow cobbled streets accentuate the massive vertical stone towers which loom over intimate piazzas – eye candy for any photographer interested in capturing the sweet, medieval charm and character of a UNESCO village.
I recently had an opportunity to photograph San Gimignano and its vineyards at a conference hosted by the Consorzio della Denominazione San Gimignano. Both the scenery, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano (local white wine) and DOCG red wines all lived up to their vintage and historical accolades!
View from Torre Grossa
Another view from Torre Grossa
More ancient rooftops as seen from Hotel L’Antico Pozzi.
Tuscan treats: Formaggi on Via San Matteo
Gelateria Dondoli, Piazza della Cisterna
Medieval Festival on Piazza della Cisterna
Social media meets Medieval Festival on Piazza della Cisterna.
Another view of San Gimignano from the vineyards of Pietraserena
View of Via della Rocca
Nighttime on Via San Matteo
When in San Gimignano, search for these estate wineries, who among many others, produce fabulous varietal expressions of Vernaccia, Chianti and IGT Super Tuscans: Fattoria di Pancole, Il Lebbio, San Benedetto, Pietraserena, Vagnoni and selections from Andrea Biagini. And if you can find it while there, try a bottle of Azienda Agricola Canneta 2013 “Satis” Vino Spumante Metodo Classio – a very limited production sparking beauty made from Vernaccia.
David Moore received his Advanced Wine Certification from the International Wine Center In NYC in 2007 and completed his Diploma certification in 2011. The Diploma (DWS) is a rigorous wine study program and a pre-requisite for entry into the WSET Master of Wine program in London, UK. While attending the IWC, he studied under the guidance of Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW, the first female recipient of the coveted Master of Wine degree in the USA, and author of the popular “Wine For Dummies” guide.
He is an associate member of the Institute of Wine and Spirits (AIWS) and frequently participates wine judging panels in NW Florida. As a wine consultant he specializes in small production, International and Domestic wine portfolios and is affiliated with Strategic Importers, Boca Raton, Florida and Zimmerman International Wine Importers, Destin, Florida.
