Vermentino white wine is rich yet crisp in flavour and is produced in many coastal regions and countries worldwide such as the USA, Australia, Lebanon and Malta; however, 83% of Vermentino wine is produced in Italy, the white-grape (amber-yellow of colour) can be found in northwestern Italy, Corsica and Sardinia - we adore a glass of Vermentino!
Discussing the origin of the grape is a controversial topic as some believe centuries ago the Spaniards brought the Vermentino vine to Corsica where it was then produced in large amounts, contrastingly, others say that the grape originated from Corsica and Sardinia as these vines can no longer be found in Spain. The grape is mostly grown in Sardinia, as the white grape needs heat yet also has to stay dry, this Island offers an optimum environment for Vermentino to grow as tasteful as it is.
You may be wondering,
‘What’s so different from growing Vermentino in Sardinia compared to other places?’
The sandy soil filled with very fine gravel from the granite and rocks of the Island’s form ‘scheletro’ acts as a superb and natural filter when it rains, working with the strong winds of the Island to dry the plant within minutes, helping the grape to stay dry and absorb as much heat as possible. Due to this environment, there is a very small possibility that pests and diseases will affect the fruit, meaning that the plant will not need chemicals to maintain its health, allowing the grapes to be grown organically, making the wine organic.
Although Tuscany, where we are situated, is a few kilometres away from the sea, the soil is still influenced by the sea as we are 170-240 meters above sea level, benefiting the filtration of moisture as the soil contains sand and stones. We plan to use our hectare of Vermentino grapes to generate 10,000 bottles of wine, however it will take a few years to harvest and create the blend as we are still adjusting our farm and have only just begun. The grape has a thin and light skin, making the drink refreshing; the dominant flavours of the wine are: lime, grapefruit, green apple, almond and daffodil. The refreshing wine has a subtle bitterness on the finish very much like that of grapefruit, however if it is aged long enough, the finish will have more of a fresh almond essence. The white wine has a bright yellow colour to it like straw and is best served with light meals such as seafood dishes, white meats and vegetables. A great amount of the Vermentino grapes in Tuscany are fermented and aged in San Gimignano.
The Classifications of Vermentino Wine
Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C
For a Vermentino wine to be given this title, it has to include a minimum of 85% vermentino grape with 15% of other white grapes and there isn’t a specific geographical location where the grape has to grow, it can be grown anywhere. This means that the grape can have a light or richer style to its body, depending where it is planted. The maximum amount of grapes that can be grown per hectare is 16 tonnes, this is to ensure that the grapes receive enough nutrients from the soil. The minimum alcohol level has to be 12%.
Vermentino di Gallura D.O.C.G
This appellation is awarded if the wine is grown in the ‘Gallura Zone’ of northwest Sardinia where the soil is made of more granite, making it harder for other plants to grow except for grape vines, this does mean that less grapes will grow but they will have a better condition. The maximum amount of grapes that are allowed to be grown per hectare is 10 tonnes, as this will provide the maximum amount of nutrients from the soil the plant, creating a fuller, richer and better quality grape. The wine must consist of a minimum of 95% Vermentino grape and have a minimum alcohol level of 13%.
Different types of Vermentino
Vermentino has two main styles, creamy and rich or zesty and floral. After fermentation of the wine, the winemaker can choose to add ‘Oenococcus Oeni’ which is a specific bacteria that consumes the tart malic acid in the wine (the acid found in green apples). The bacteria creates a unique aroma called ‘Diacetyl’, giving a richer and more oily feeling on the tongue, rather than a refreshing and zesty sensation.
Famous Vermentino wines
Vermentino Colli di Luni D.O.C ‘Black Label’
Found in Liguria, the winery Cantine Lunae Bosoni, has produced this Vermentino wine which has won the ‘3 Bicchieri Award’ by Gambero Rosso for twelve consecutive years, as well as being given the title ‘best white wine’ by the 5StarWinesGuide in 2019 which was published by VinItaly! The wine has aromas of blossom honey and golden apple, it is crisp with a salty finish. Grown 150 meters above sea level and then fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain the flavour, with an alcohol content of 13.5%. We have not tried this wine yet but we cannot wait to! The winery is 1 hour and 45 minutes away from La Torre, heading up north, halfway between Florence and Genova.
‘Jankara’ Vermentino di Gallura D.O.C.G Superiore
We luckily tried the Jankura on a holiday to Sardinia and it was outstanding. The colour was a lively straw yellow, bringing vitality to the table. The white wine oozed of honeysuckle, pineapple and almond; on the tongue the freshness of the aromas remained for a long time, making it easy for us to remember the taste (and buy more!), we had it with a lovely dish of fresh fish, the taste of the wine complimented the meal perfectly. It comes from Cantine Jankura in the Gallura region of Sardinia and is also aged in stainless steel - with an alcohol grade of 13.5%. We highly recommend trying this wine!
‘Stellata’ Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C
Winning the ‘3 Bicchieri Award’ by Gambero Rosso in 2017, this wine has become one of the most popular Vermentino wines out there! Produced by Cantina Pala, the wine has floral aroma of jasmine, an essence of orange blossom and a delicious taste of honeydew melon, the finish has a balanced taste of green tea. This wine is grown 150-180 meters above sea level which enhances the taste, it is aged in stainless steel and has an alcohol grade of 13%.
Vermentino nearby
Corbucci
Located on the slopes of Gambassi, our neighbour Francesco Corbucci produces an amazing Vermentino wine named ‘AQA’. Easy to drink like aqua (water) the wine is made from 100% Vermentino grape with 12.5% alcohol. The drink has a yellow colour similar to straw with the aroma of exquisite fruits such as mango and peach with a hint of jasmine. Only a 10 minute drive from La Torre, we recommend visiting for a relaxing afteroon on the hilltops of Gambassi. You can reach Corbucci by car, on foot, cycling or on horseback!
Cantina Vignaioli Morellino Scansano
The Vermentino I.G.T of Vignaioli Morellino Scansano is made from 97% vermentino grape and 3% Sauvignon Blanc. We felt that the taste was more savoury and brought through a stronger essence of citrus, the drink is crisp and dry. The cantina (cellar) can be found in the heart of Maremma, a beautiful Tuscan countryside. This agriturismo is located 2 hours away from La Torre near the city of Grosseto.
Castelli del Grevepesa
Elianto is a Vermentino Tuscany I.G.T, made from 100% Vermentino grape. The fresh beverage has an illuminate straw yellow colour with reflections of light green and a smell of white flowers. The white wine has a strong taste of white peach really refreshing the palate. There are many associated companies who have this wine, but it’s main agricultural cooperative is in San Casciano Val di Pesa, Firenze, only a 50 minute drive away from La Torre.
Overall Vermentino wine is consumed worldwide as a refreshing drink that goes well with lighter meals such as fish, white meats and salad. We love to have a glass of Vermentino with some grapes and freshly cut vegetables, more like a sassy side drink for our snacks. The white wine can be gassed to make it more of a bubbly or can be drunk as a smooth wine.
Keep a lookout for an update on how our hectare of Vermentino is developing!
