Vermentino, Tuscany

Vermentino is a white grape variety grown mainly in Sardinia, in the Liguria del Levante and along the Tuscan coast, in particular in the area of Bolgheri. Vermentino is also present in Corsica and in the south of France, where it is called Rolle. It seems that the provenance of Vermentino is to be traced back to Spain, with a progressive diffusion that from Corsica allows the grape to reach Liguria as early as the nineteenth century, ie before its diffusion in Tuscany. It is in this region that Vermentino gives its best in the provinces of Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca and Massa Carrara. Nonetheless, the origins of Vermentino still remain quite mysterious, but the analyzes conducted on the DNA have revealed that Vermentino, Pigato and Favorita are actually different clones of a single grape variety which has then differentiated over the centuries also according to the different terroirs . It is a typically Mediterranean grape, which loves a warm and sunny climate, withstands the wind well and is best expressed on hilly terrain. Above all the proximity to the coast, which would penalize other varieties due to the brackish winds coming from the sea, is an aspect that positively influences the correct ripening of the Vermentino grapes.

The great versatility of Vermentino also concerns the processing techniques that can concern a late harvest, a vinification in steel for the most straightforward and immediate wines, aging on the lees and aging in cask. In the latter case it is demonstrated that Vermentino is not to be classified as a seasonal wine and that the ability to evolve of the wine produced represents one of the many possibilities offered to trace an identity profile. Vermentino is the most widespread white grape variety in Sardinia, a region in which it expresses high quality levels, in particular in the Gallura area where for recognition according to the Vermentino di Gallura DOCG specification it requires a presence of Vermentino equal to 95%. In any case, Vermentino can be vinified as still, sparkling or passito wine. Straw yellow in color with greenish reflections, Vermentino has a dry taste and a slightly bitter note that tends to disappear with aging. The wine has a bouquet characterized by fruity aromas of peach, apricot, white melon, well matched with hints of Mediterranean scrub. Given the high temperatures that accompany the ripening of the grapes, Vermentino can develop a good alcohol content and moderate acidity.

Vermentino di Gallura

Authentic expression of Sardinia, Vermentino di Gallura is an oenological pride of the region and has found its place of choice in the granite soils of the northern area of the island. Today the production of Vermentino di Gallura is concentrated in the municipalities of Tempio, Monti, Berchidda and Oschiri. The production of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG is regulated by a production disciplinary which provides for the Superiore, Frizzante, Spumante, Passito and Late Harvest versions. To fall within the production specification, it must have at least 95% of Vermentino produced in the area coinciding with the northern area of Sardinia identified by the production specification. For the basic version, the color is straw yellow with light greenish reflections, with great aromatic intensity, a slightly bitter aftertaste and an alcohol by volume of at least 12%.

What are the characteristics of a wine produced with Vermentino?

Vermentino can be produced in purity or appear in blend with other white berried grapes, has a straw yellow color with greenish reflections and a rich bouquet with hints of Mediterranean scrub, complex aromas of citrus and flowers, often accompanied by a bitter taste for the youngest wines. On the palate it is intense and complex, elegant and fresh, not unrelated to a certain softness in the aged versions.

What are the best combinations for Vermentino di Gallura?

Vermentino di Gallura can be drunk in combination with seafood or land dishes given its versatility. The perceptible freshness makes it ideal with crustaceans and molluscs, fatty fish such as grilled salmon and seafood. Vermentino di Gallura also goes well with risotto and pasta with fish sauces and cheeses such as Pecorino Sardo.

Is Vermentino a sparkling wine?

One of the peculiarities of Vermentino consists in the possibility of vinifying it as a sparkling wine, without the dispersion of carbon dioxide produced during fermentation. Usually the controlled variation of temperature causes this variant in some wines and, in the case of sparkling Vermentino, there is an accentuation of the freshness and creaminess obtained from contact with the yeasts.

Tuscan wines are, together with those of Piedmont and Veneto, the most famous Italian wines in the world: great excellences such as Brunello di Montalcino, Bolgheri (primarily Sassicaia Bolgheri Doc) and Supertuscan have made known the excellence of made in Italy in the world. In Tuscany, Sangiovese and indigenous grapes are the protagonists alongside international grapes such as Cabernet and Merlot, in a territory that, like no other, seems to have been born on purpose to produce excellent wines. If a legend widespread at the time of the Medici told that Noah with his ark landed in Tuscany and planted the first vine cuttings, what is certain is that in Tuscany the winemaking tradition is so ancient that, unlike other regions, it surpasses the Romans and the Greeks and reaches up to the Etruscan civilization.

Tuscan red wine? A well-stocked cellar cannot be missing.

Tuscan red wines are the red wines for aging par excellence: Brunello di Montalcino has a longevity that exceeds 20 years, and great surprises in this sense also reserve the Nobile di Montepulciano and Carmignano, less known appellations but of ancient tradition, born from the union of Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc brought to Italy by Caterina de 'Medici. However, Tuscan red wine is also synonymous with conviviality, with Chianti in all its nuances, from the traditional flask to the magnum bottles in wooden boxes of the great selections, and above all with Morellino di Scansano, a wild Sangiovese from Maremma. Last but not least other small appellations such as Sant'Antimo Doc, Rosso di Montalcino and Montecucco, in which Sangiovese is and remains the true protagonist. Finally, some producers have tried their hand at Tuscany with the most cursed of the grapes, Pinot Noir, obtaining very interesting results.

Tuscan white wines: a less known reality to be discovered

In Tuscany there is only one Tuscan DOCG white: Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Born from native grapes, it is said that the wine that cuts and pricks was the favorite of the greatest Florentine genius: Michelangelo Buonarroti. Then there are numerous DOC and IGT appellations, which see Vermentino excel, aged in steel or wood, alongside international grapes such as chardonnay and sauvignon. Trebbiano toscano is another widespread grape variety, which combined with malvasia gives life to the famous Vin Santo, in its various and precious golden declinations such as Vin Santo del Chianti Classico and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice.

What is the finest Tuscan wine?

The most famous Tuscan red, Chianti Classico, links an ancient legend to its main symbol, the black rooster. In fact, it is said that the cities of Siena and Florence had to decide the territorial boundaries by bringing together two knights, both departed to the crowing of the cock, white for the Sienese and black for the Florentines. The Florentines, much more cunning, kept their black rooster stiff, locked in the cage, in the two days preceding the competition and the poor animal, in a panic, opened the cage immediately went out to sing, even if it was the middle of the night. This early departure with respect to dawn allowed Florence to establish the boundary of its province near the city of Siena, where it still is today, in the heart of the Chianti area.

Which is the longest-lived Tuscan DOCG red wine?

The longest-lived Tuscan DOCG red wine is undoubtedly Brunello : it manages to evolve in the cellar even for more than 20 years, developing extraordinary aromas and thus becoming one of the best meditation red wines in the world.

What is the best Tuscan white wine to pair with fish dishes?

The best Tuscan white wine to combine with fish menus is definitely Vermentino which, born from the vineyards caressed by the sea breezes, manages to enhance seafood dishes thanks to its natural flavor and freshness. Seeing is believing!