Usiglian del Vescovo 'Il Ginestraio' Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy

Radiant and expressive, the 2023 Usiglian del Vescovo ‘Il Ginestraio’ Toscana IGT captures the sun-drenched charm of Tuscany in every sip. Named after the golden broom flower that thrives among the estate’s vineyards, this white blend of Chardonnay and Viognier reflects both the coastal elegance and inland vitality of Palaia’s terroir. It’s a wine that celebrates balance, between freshness and softness, minerality and fruit, resulting in a glass that’s both joyful and sophisticated.

Product Details:

• Production Manager/ Consultant Oenologist: Francesco Lomi
• Wine Type: White
• Blend: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Viognier
• Soil Type: Sandy, marine-origin soils rich in seashells
• Altitude: 250 meters above sea level
• Vine Training: Guyot method
• Vine Density: 5,000 vines per hectare
• Average Yield: 4,000 kg per hectare
• Harvest: Hand-harvested between August 25–28, 2023
• Fermentation: Stainless steel at 16°C; partial fermentation in small oak barrels with daily bâtonnage
• Aging: 6 months — partly in stainless steel, partly in first and second-use oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13%
• Total Acidity: 5.15 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 0.5 g/L

Sensory Description:

A brilliant straw-yellow hue with golden and green glimmers hints at the freshness within. The bouquet is intensely aromatic, offering layers of peach, apricot, and citrus intertwined with floral tones of linden, broom, and acacia. On the palate, Il Ginestraio shows a harmonious blend of minerality and fruit, its sandy, seashell-rich terroir lending a distinct saline edge. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and crisp acidity, it finishes long, clean, and refreshingly persistent, a wine that effortlessly bridges indulgence and elegance.

Winemaker's Background:

The Tenuta Usiglian del Vescovo traces its origins back to 1078, when Matilde di Canossa gifted the lands of Usigliano di Palaia to the Bishops of Lucca. Over the centuries, this historic estate, whose name translates to “the Bishop’s Estate”, has withstood political tides and cultural transformations while remaining a cornerstone of Tuscan viticulture. Today, under thoughtful stewardship, the 160-hectare property thrives with 25 hectares of vineyards and 15 of olive groves. The unique sandy, marine soils and proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea create ideal growing conditions for vibrant, aromatic wines that speak of both land and sea. Guided by sustainable practices and meticulous craftsmanship, the estate continues to express Tuscany’s timeless beauty through each vintage.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well-chilled at 10–12°C in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to emphasize its freshness and floral perfume. Il Ginestraio pairs beautifully with delicate Tuscan dishes, think pasta dressed in olive oil and pecorino, tagliolini with white truffle, or grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs. Its supple minerality also complements creamy risottos, shellfish, and medium-aged cheeses, offering endless versatility across the table.

The 2023 Usiglian del Vescovo ‘Il Ginestraio’ is a graceful reminder of Tuscany’s ability to produce whites of both character and charm, a radiant expression of craftsmanship, coastal minerality, and sunlit joy in every glass.