Vermentino, awarded James Suckling
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.
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT VT 2022 Capichera
The Late Harvest represents one of the maximum expressions of the whites of Capichera.
It is made up of 100% Vermentino, harvested from vineyards located in the municipality of Arzachena. The vinification in steel precedes the refinement of 6-8 months in barriques, within which the malolactic fermentation completes.
Herbs are its main descriptor, articulated in clear flavors of thyme, rosemary, lavender and a mineral background of flint. The taste perfectly reflects the perfume, and is characteriz...
View product pageBolgheri DOC Vermentino 2023 Grattamacco
Grattamacco Bianco Vermentino is a Tuscan white wine made from pure Vermentino grapes. Coming from one of the most suitable areas of the Bolgheri denomination, this wine expresses the identity of the Grattamacco hill thanks to its unique terroir and artisanal care in production. The position of the vineyards, overlooking the sea and caressed by constant breezes, contributes to the quality and freshness of the product.
The grapes come from historic vineyards located 100 meters above sea level, on ...
View product pageVino Spumante di Qualità Solais Grand Cuvée Metodo Classico Cantina di Santadi
Vermentino di Sardegna Villa Solais comes from vineyards cultivated in 5 different areas of the lower Sulcis.
Produced mainly with Vermentino di Sardegna and Nuragus grapes, it is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fragrance and aromas.
It has a bright straw yellow color, with green and golden reflections. The nose opens with fresh and pleasant fruity hints that recall in particular the white pulp peach. The taste is fresh, soft, enriched with mineral notes.
Ideal served very fresh ...
View product pageToscana IGT Vivi Vermentino 2023 Tenuta del Buonamico
Vivi is a pure Vermentino that was born in the town of Cercatoia, in Montecarlo di Lucca.
From a soft pressing of the grapes comes the fermentation must, left to settle in the cold for 24 hours. The limpid part ferments in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 16 ° C and ages in the same material.
Straw yellow with greenish flashes, it offers a fresh range of floral scents combined with mineral hints. Full, fresh and savory on the palate, it strikes by persistence.
Recommended in the ...
View product pageToscana IGT Vermentino Streda 2022 Cantine Leonardo da Vinci
The Tuscan white wine Streda by Cantine da Vinci comes from and on the rolling Tuscan hills of Vinci and the neighboring towns, located in the province of Florence.
The wine is produced from 100% Vermentino grapes, which are harvested during the first half of September. The grapes undergo soft pressing, to be then vinified in steel tanks at a controlled temperature (16-18 °C). Ageing takes place in steel until January-February.
In the glass, the wine is straw yellow in colour. The nose has hints o...
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