San Miniato
San Miniato is a city of Etruscan-Roman origins. Invaded by the Longobards who in 783 built a church dedicated to the martyr San Miniato, from which the city later took its name. It has hosted many historical figures and emperors such as Frederick Barbarossa 1167, Henry IV and Otto IV and multiple Popes such as Gregory V in 996, Eugene IV and Clement VII. Mary Magdalene of Austria e Napoleon I Of notable historical importance is the Convent of Saint Francis which, according to tradition, was donated by the nobles of San Miniato to the Saint of Assisi himself during his stay in 1211 on his return from Pisa. San Miniato is characterized by being one of the stages marked by Sigerico on his return journey to Canterbury, thus becoming one of the historic stations of the Via Francigena. Around 1200, the Rock, by Frederick II which became the symbol of the town where, according to historians, Pier delle Vigne was imprisoned and died. Giosuè Carducci he composed the prose "The resources of San Miniato" precisely in memory of the teaching period in the city. The Second World War hit it hard, the center of clashes and bombings then became an inspiration for directors Paul And Victor Taviani both born in San Miniato, for the making of a documentary film: San Miniato July ´44, in 1954 and in 1982 for "The night of San Lorenzo" one of their most famous films.
From an agricultural point of view, the San Miniato area has an ancient history, known for the cultivation of wrinkled tomatoes, artichokes and saffron. Famous throughout the world for its rolling hills which preserve the precious white truffle, it boasts an important viticulture since Roman times (about 600 hectares of land planted with vines) the suitable lands welcome various types of native vines, the most famous in Tuscany being Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Sanforte and Colombana, Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca and allochthonous vines such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet. Of particular importance and rarity is the presence of the Tempranillo vine, which seems to have its origins in the ancient journeys of pilgrims on the Francigena.
The protection of the environment, of the woods and of the lands gives this area real treasures. L' was born in 2007 to take care of the wineWinegrowers Association of San Miniato which carries on the common will of 8 companies to promote and communicate their wines together and make their luxuriant territory known. A good opportunity to visit San Miniato can certainly be there National White Truffle Market Exhibition delle Colline Sanminiatesi, which takes place every year on the second, third and fourth weekend of November. A special occasion to participate in the numerous initiatives and tastings organized by the Winegrowers association and to live the experience of truffle hunting.
Source: Visit Tuscany – Municipality of San Miniato – San Miniato Winegrowers Association