This just in! Vermentino is the “darling” of white wine these days. Wine lists around the world are offering the beautiful dry white wine by the glass (no commitment!) and as a bottle purchase for those “in the know.” Frankly, I consider Vermentino a hidden gem and should be any winelover’s every night wine. I consider it mine. If you’re not quite familiar with Vermentino, bookmark this article and consider purchasing the wines suggested below for research purposes, of course. Enjoy!
Vermentino
What Does Vermentino Taste Like?
Vermentino is a light bodied dry white wine with plenty of acidity. In general, we can find aromas of yellow flowers and sea breezes that lead to intense flavors of pear, green apple, lime, grapefruit and often a hint of raw almonds. Most Vermentino is light and snappy although it can be rich and creamy depending on the winemaker style.
Where is Vermentino Grown?
Vermentino is planted predominantly in the Italian regions of Sardinia, Liguria, Corsica, Tuscany and Piedmont where it’s known as Favorita. The French region of Languedoc and to some extent Provence also produce Vermentino, known as Rolle. Surprisingly, it’s grown in Australia, Virginia, Texas, California and in other regions in scant quantities by small-batch producers. Most often, vines are grown on slopes facing the sea that offer additional reflected light.
According to Karen MacNeil in The Wine Bible, 3rd edition, “about 75% of all the Vermentino grown in Italy is grown in Sardinia, and no other Italian white has a flavor that quite compares.” I agree. The wine reflects the island’s arid, Mediterranean climate and well ventilated landscape with herbs such as lavender, sage, thyme, oregano and rosemary. Vermentino cultivated in the southern part of the island with its calcareous soils, tends to be rich and creamy with citrus and nutty flavors. Vermentino di Gallura is Sardinia’s only DOCG appellation and encompasses white Vermentino-based wines from an area at the northern part of the island.
Sardinia isn’t the only place producing Vermentino. Liguria, known as the Italian Riviera, is on a crescent from the French border south to Tuscany. Land is scarce and vineyards grip to the sides of steep hills. The region is known for their white, red and rose wines. It’s believed that Vermentino, known in Liguria as Pigato, was brought to Italy from Spain via Corsica in the 14th century but the jury is still out on that! Crisp and fresh with lively acidity and notes of fruit, sea breezes and salinity, Vermentino from the region is a Mediterranean treat.
In Tuscany where the climate is warmer and sunnier than Liguria, Vermentino is somewhat heavier with more aromatic complexity thanks to winemaking techniques such as skin contact, lees contact and barrel aging. Many have compared Tuscan Vermentino to Viognier due to its intense aromas.
What Foods Pair with Vermentino?
Although we can swirl and sip Vermentino with favorite dishes, seafood seems to be at the top of the menu. With a young and fresh Vermentino, enjoy raw and marinated shellfish, fried fish, grilled seabass or shrimp and pasta dishes with seafood. How about spring and summer vegetables or your favorite herbed dishes?
Pasta with clams
Try sipping an aged Vermentino with heavier fish dishes such as lobster or light meat choices of roast veal or lamb chops. Don’t forget the cheese plate!
Vermentino to Try Now
The following wines (sent as samples) offer an attractive price point and flavor profile to match. If you can’t locate the wines suggested in your local retail shop, contact the winery to place an order or find a similar Vermentino that fits your budget. Chill a bottle (or two) and enjoy!
Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2020 DOC ($13)
Vermentino La Cala is named after one of the loveliest stretches of the coastline in northern Sardinia. Soils are rich in limestone and clay and the area is influenced by salt-laden mistral winds. The wine has intense tropical aromas with herbal notes and a briny mouthfeel – it’s vibrant with notes of ripe fruit and a long, mineral driven finish.
Surrau Branu Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2021 ($20)
It was a pleasure to tasteSurrau “Branu” Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2021 of 100% Vermentino. The Surrau Vineyards are a few kilometers from the sea in the eastern part of Gallura in Sardinia. The area is characterized by granite rocks “polished and shaped by wind, water and a dense but characteristic Mediterranean scrub.” Subsoils are mainly granite but sandy soils are evident. Vineyards have a southeast exposure and grapes thrive in the climate and windswept hilly areas. “Branu” comes from the Spanish word “Verano” that’s blended into the Sardinian language to mean “Spring.” Springtime in the glass this was!
The wine was fresh and crisp. On the nose and palate I found citrus, snappy green apple, juicy white peaches, Mediterranean bramble and herbs, raw almonds, white florals, minerality and salty breeze wafting from the sea – and of course, zingy acidity. This vegan wine was aged in stainless steel tanks for 3-4 months and aged in the bottle for 1 month before release.
Bulichella Tuscanio Bianco 2022 ($19)
Tuscanio Bianco 2022 is 100% Vermentino from 20-25 year old vines in Suvereto DOCG in Tuscany. Although the region is known for its red wines, Vermentino is adaptable to the area because Suvereto is close to the sea and its marine breezes. Aromas of fresh fruit and savory notes on the mouthwatering palate paired beautifully with light appetizers and grilled fish. The whimsical label depicts wild boars, frequent visitors to the vineyard, contemplating their next move.
Marchesi Frescobaldi Tenuta Ammiraglia Masssovivo 2018 Vermentino Toscana IGT ($24)
The Frescobaldi Vermentino has aromas recalling dried flowers, hazelnut, lemon zest, yellow peach and minerality. On the palate, I noted chalk and stone notes along with bit of confection and lemon curd. The glorious Vermentino was delicious with crabcakes and a fresh garden salad.
Tenuta di Monterufoli Pian di Seta Vermentino di Toscana Bio IGT ($18)
On the nose, I found fruit and floral notes along with hints of minerality. The palate was a delight with soft, fresh and savory elements that paired beautifully with a cheese plate and grilled whitefish.
Thibido Second Date 2022 Vermentino ($42)
Salinity, minerality and plenty of stone fruit burst from the glass upon the first whiff of this lovely Vermentino from Paso Robles, California. On the palate, grapefruit, lemon zest, melon and hint of herbal notes are exceptional complements to fish tacos, a bountiful summer salad or your next date night… Vermentino grapes were cultivated on sandy, well-draining soils in certified sustainable vineyards located in the eastern area of Paso Robles AVA. They were hand picked in the early morning, gently pressed at the winery and transferred to an 80 gallon Amphora tank of terracotta clay for five months before bottling.
Rivenburgh Wine Vermentino 2021 Texas High Plains ($38)
A chilled bottle of Vermentino from Texas (!) was delicious with chicken tacos one night with friends. Produced by John Rivenburgh from fruit cultivated in Canted County Vineyards in the Texas High Plans, I found electric-like acidity and light and crisp notes of juicy apple and white fruit.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
For more Grape Experiences and a free infographic “4 Keys to a Stellar Wine Pick” click here.
