Vermentino, Sardinia

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.

Sardinian wine is produced in one of the most interesting areas of Italy from a wine-making point of view, not only for the territory, divided between the Mediterranean climate of the coasts and the temperate one of the interior, but above all for the massive presence of native grapes. Unique, to the point of being one of the few areas in the world where there are still ungrafted grapes, this region is full of contrasts, with the vineyards of Carignano del Sulcis that have their roots in the sand of the coast and only one DOCG in the whole region. Small and large producers have made Sardinian wines known all over the world, with authentic jewels acclaimed by the public and critics such as Turriga by Argiolas and Terre Brune by Santadi.

Sardinian white wines

Vermentino is certainly the most famous Sardinian white wine, although it is necessary to distinguish between Vermentino di Sardegna Doc, which can be produced throughout the region, and Vermentino di Gallura, the only DOCG in Sardinia, born in the provinces of Olbia Tempio and Sassari. , which is not only one of the best white wines in Italy, but is produced in different types, including sparkling wine and passito. Notable expressions of the territory are also the Nasco and the Nuragus of Cagliari, and above all the Vernaccia di Oristano, a complex white also ideal for long aging. Excellent results from native white berried grapes both for Metodo Classico and Charmat method sparkling wines, such as Torbato and Vermentino, and for dessert wines, such as Malvasia di Bosa and Moscato di Sardegna.

Sardinian red wines

The most famous Sardinian red wine is undoubtedly Cannonau, brought to the island by the Spaniards (where it is still known as Alicante), which is divided into classic (if grown throughout the Nuorese and Ogliastra area) and in sub-areas Oliena, Jerzu and Capo Ferrato. The other autochthonous red berried grape is Carignano del Sulcis, which gives life to red and rosé wines, which in the appellation are also available in the Riserva, Superiore, Novello and Passito types. Not to be forgotten then, the red berried grapes such as Bovale and Cagnulari which, grown as sapling, are vinified in purity for very typical reds, and combined with other grapes in appellations such as Cagliari Doc and Terralba Doc. Last but not least the red Monica is important, which seems to have arrived in Sardinia thanks to the Camaldolese monks around the year 1000 and which is now produced all over the island.

What are the Sardinian DOCG wines?

In Sardinia there is only one DOCG and it is Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, but there are 19 DOCs and 15 IGTs capable of satisfying all palates. The most famous appellations are undoubtedly the Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC and the Carignano del Sulcis DOC, but there is no shortage of excellence even among sweet wines with authentic gems such as Malvasia di Bosa DOC and Moscato di Sorso- Sennori DOC.

What are the best Sardinian wines?

The best Sardinian wines famous all over the world are the Terre Brune di Santadi, a masterpiece given to the island by the great enologist Giacomo Tachis, the Turriga di Argiolas, awarded by national and international guides and the Marchese di Villamarina, but also with white wines such as the Vermentino of Capichera.

What is the best match for a typical Sardinian red wine?

Sardinian red wines, so rich in character and with well-present tannins, are perfect in combination with complex and structured dishes, such as aged cheeses and above all meat dishes. Perfect with the taste of grilled meat, whether it is pork and beef, whether it is game and wild boar, they are definitely to be tried with aged cheeses and rustic dishes rich in taste, especially in the case of reserves or long-lasting wines ageing like Turriga.