Il Palagione Hydra San Gimignano DOCG Vernaccia 2024

Il Palagione “Hydra” Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is a refined and expressive white from Tuscany’s historic San Gimignano appellation - the only DOCG in the region dedicated to white wine. Made exclusively from Vernaccia, one of Italy’s oldest documented grape varieties, it reflects a long-standing winemaking tradition shaped by rolling hills and mineral-rich soils.

Produced from a local vineyard clone and certified organic and biodynamic, the wine is crafted with a focus on purity and site expression. Gentle pressing is followed by slow, temperature-controlled fermentation, with around six months on lees to build texture and complexity while preserving freshness. This careful approach highlights Vernaccia’s naturally structured and mineral-driven character.

This is a bright, elegant and terroir-focused white - defined by freshness, subtle texture and a distinctive, lightly savoury finish that makes it both versatile and food-friendly.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.

Type: White Wine
Style: Medium-bodied, Mineral-driven, Elegant
Grape Varietal: Vernaccia
Tastes Like: Comparable to a premium Pinot Grigio, but with more structure and a savoury, mineral edge
Alcohol Percentage: 13%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Terroir: Rolling hills with mineral-rich soils contributing structure and freshness
Aging: Around six months on lees to build texture and complexity
Serving Temperature: 10–12℃ – Lightly chilled

Il Palagione is a boutique organic and biodynamic estate located in the hills surrounding San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most historic wine regions. The winery focuses on expressing the purity and character of local grape varieties through sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking.

The “Hydra” Vernaccia is produced from a local vineyard clone and crafted to highlight the unique identity of San Gimignano—the only DOCG in Tuscany dedicated to white wine. With careful fermentation and extended lees ageing, the wine captures Vernaccia’s distinctive combination of freshness, structure and mineral depth.

Seafood: Perfect with grilled fish, calamari or seafood pasta
Poultry: Pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey with herbs
Vegetarian: Ideal with asparagus, zucchini or vegetable risotto
Italian Classics: Excellent with antipasti or light Tuscan dishes

Pecorino Toscano (Young): Mild and slightly salty, complements the wine’s structure
Goat Cheese: Tangy and fresh, enhances citrus and mineral notes
Ricotta: Light and creamy, balances acidity
Parmigiano Reggiano: Adds savoury depth to the wine’s finish

Zucchine Ripiene (Tuscan Stuffed Zucchini with Herbs & Pecorino)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 80g breadcrumbs
• 60g Pecorino Toscano, grated
• 1 egg
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and halve the zucchini lengthwise, scooping out the centre.
2. Chop the zucchini flesh and sauté it with olive oil, onion and garlic until soft.
3. Remove from heat and mix with breadcrumbs, Pecorino, egg and parsley.
4. Spoon the mixture back into the zucchini halves.
5. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

The savoury filling and gentle richness of Pecorino highlight Vernaccia’s mineral structure and subtle almond finish, while its acidity keeps the dish fresh and balanced.