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Vermentino is an Italian grape variety native to Sardinia and Liguria, found in Corsica and the Languedoc-Roussillon, known as “Favorita” in the Piedmont region. The berries are amber-yellow in color, the vine takes root best in coastal regions, as it needs a lot of light. Grapes of this variety may be included in other sparkling and still wines.
Style Description
Vermentino is a dry white wine with a strength of 12-13,5% vol. with a complex bouquet and pronounced acidity, similar to Sauvignon Blanc. On the international market, this brand is little known, so even the best examples can be bought at an affordable price.
Dominant notes: lime, grapefruit, green apple, almond, yellow narcissus. The increased content of phenols adds a slight bitterness to the taste, and nuances of pear, white peach, citrus zest are also felt in the bouquet. The profile is mineral, slightly salty. Overall, this is a very refreshing, balanced wine.
Origin
For a long time, the origin of the variety was unknown, Spain was even considered its homeland, and only recent DNA studies have proven the identity of Vermentino with Ligurian Pigato and Piedmontese Favorita. With a high degree of probability, it can be argued that Vermentino appeared in the same place where it still grows – in Italy.
Production regions
Most of the vineyards are concentrated in three Italian regions: Sardinia, Liguria and Tuscany, and everywhere the vines are planted closer to the sea. It is the maritime climate that gives the wine a characteristic brackish note and a slightly mineral finish. In addition to Italy, the variety is found in small quantities in France, the USA, Argentina and Australia.
Reputation
Vermentino is an autochthonous Italian (or rather, even Sardinian) grape, artificially brought to other regions and almost unknown there. Accordingly, the wine is not “promoted” on the international market, therefore it is underestimated.
Sommeliers claim that this is an excellent representative of dry whites, and in the description of taste and texture they use such epithets as “tart”, “silky” and even “sensual”.
Similar Styles
Wines with similar flavor profiles and organoleptic characteristics include Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Soave, Verdejo.
Types
There are two main styles of Vermentino wines:
- More creamy, with a rich bouquet.
- Lighter, fruity.
To achieve a creamy texture and rich palette, the winemaker can add special Oenococcus bacteria to the must during fermentation (carry out malolactic fermentation). Accordingly, if this is not done, the second option is obtained. Both technologies are acceptable and do not contradict style standards.
How to drink Vermentino
Serving temperature Vermentino +8-12 °C. The wine goes well with grilled vegetables, fatty fish, goat cheese, chicken, exotic dishes like tacos, pesto and sushi, pork sausages, seafood.
The main thing to pay attention to is that the chosen gastronomic pair is not too spicy and overly spicy, for example, it is not recommended to serve Vermentino with marinades, pickles and smoked meats.
Famous brands
Giacomelli “Pianacce”, Laura Aschero, Cantine Lunae Bosoni “Black Label”, Pala “Stellato”, Jankara, Pepi Lignana “Leopoldino” and so on.
Interesting Facts
- More than half of all Vermentino is made in Sardinia.
- The variety loves not too fertile soils and hills – wine from berries grown on mountain plantations turns out to be especially thin and refined.
- In French Provence, Vermentino is called Rolle and is added to local rosé wine.
- The best representative of the style is called Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, produced in Sardinia and is a protected name of origin. This wine is made from 95% Vermentino grapes.
- In Corsica, you can also find good Vermentino wines, they are distinguished by high acidity, light smoky nuances, and a mineral profile.