Vermentino (Italy)
Vermentino is a white wine grape from the island of Sardinia (Sardegna).
It is also well known on the Ligurian and Tuscan coast.
Vermentino Flavors
Salinity, Citrus, and Tropical Fruit are typical Vermentino flavors. With delicate Floral and Herbal hints.
A nice and slightly bitter aftertaste of Grapefruit.
 Citrus |
 Grapefruit |
 Peach |
 Pineapple |
 Acacia |
 Rosemary |
 Thyme |
 Salt |
Vermentino Profile
Vermentino is a tasty and dry white wine with good acidity:
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium - Low |
| ACIDITY: | High |
| ALCOHOL: | 12-14% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 10-12°C (50-54°F) |
The Ideal Glass for Vermentino
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The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass. It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines. |
Vermentino Food Pairing
Vermentino is very food friendly and pairs well with Mediterranean Cuisine.
In Sardegna (Sardinia) it pairs beautifully with the local Fish and Seafood.
It is also very good Aperitif.
 Aperitif |
 Olive Oil |
 Olives |
 Tapas |
 Salads |
 Vegetables |
 Fish |
 Fish and Chips |
 Seafood |
 Fish Soup |
 Spaghetti |
 Pasta |
Excellent Pairings
Salads. Olives. Olive Oil.
Tomatoes. Tomato based Sauces.
Vegetables. Pesto. Spinach. Fennel
Artichoke. Arugula. Asparagus. Zucchini.
Rich Seafood. Tuna. Grilled Salmon.
Fried Calamari. Squid. Crab. Lobster.
Seafood Pasta. Spaghetti with Clams.
Italian/Japanese Fusion. Sushi. Tempura.
Chicken. Turkey. Rabbit.
Light White Meat. Suckling Pig. Baby Lamb.
Cheese Pairings
Fresh Cheese.
Mozzarella. Feta. Ricotta. Chèvre.
Sardinian Specialities
Fritto Misto di Mare.
Spaghetti alle Vongole.
Spaghetti alla Bottarga.
Tagliatelle with Squid.
Risotto with Mussels.
Penne with Anchovies.
Linguine with Crab.
Vitello Tonnato (Tuna).
Shellfish Guazzetto (Stew).
Cuttlefish with Peas.
Rabbit with Olives.
Chicken Breast with Mushroom.
Backed Turkey.
Vermentino Cheese Pairing
Vermentino is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Vermentino.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Vermentino.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Hard Cheeses
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
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About Vermentino
Vermentino is a white wine grape from the island of Sardinia (Sardegna).
The grape continues into the Italian Ligurian Riviera, the famous Cinque Terre, north inland in Piemonte and south along the Tuscan coast. From Lunigiana hills behind Versilia to Bolgheri, and Maremma including the islands Elba and Giglio.
Vermentino is also found along the coast of Southern France, from the Pyrenees to the Cote d' Azur, and the island of Corsica.
Italy stands for about 85% of the world production, and about 10% is produced in France (Provence and Corsica).
The two bigg islands, Sardegna and Corsica, produce the best structured and aromatic Vermentino. Often full bodied, powerful with a persistent taste. A big contrast to the common Vermentino with a medium structure, light and easy to drink.
The main characteristic of Vermentino is its perfume: Mediterranean aromatic herbs such fresh thyme, oregano, mint, lemon balm, rosemary, basil, pines. And its salinity.
Depending on the area of origin, Vermentino can have white floral notes such jasmine or fruity notes such citrus, peach, apple and exotic fruit.
Vermentino In Sardegna (Sardinia)
In Sardegna, Vermentino is the main white grape. It has two appellations:
- Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
- Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (The island's most famous wine)
Thanks to the hot and favourable climate, Vermentino wines from Sardegna are often richer with a fuller body than Ligurian Vermentino.
The wines from Sardegna pairs beautifully with the local fish and seafood.
Vermentino In Liguria
In Liguria, Vermentino is the main grape variety. And there are a few DOCs:
Colli di Luni DOC (Hills of the Moon) is known for its freshness and minerality. The proximity of the Massa and Carrara marble mountains surely helps. The DOC is located on the border between Liguria and Tuscany, with the majority of the vineyards in Liguria.
The Ligurian Vermentino has a medium structure and is normally a little lighter than the wines from Sardegna (Sardinia).
Along the coast, Vermentino vines are found in the amazing cliffside vineyards of Cinque Terre. And hiking the Cinque Terre, through terraced vineyards, and the view of its dramatic coastline is unforgettable.
The Cinque Terre DOC is a white wine made of local grapes such Bosco (min.40%), Albarola and Vermentino (max.40%)
Portofino DOC is located near Genova in the Tigullio Gulf and the main white grapes are Vermentino, Bianchetta Genovese and Scimiscià.
Vermentino In Toscana
In Toscana, the climate is warmer than in Liguria, and the vineyards produce a richer Vermentino.
Winemaking techniques like skin and lees contact, together with barrel aging create a richer body with more complexity. Vermentino wines from Bolgheri (Bolgheri Vermentino DOC) is often compared with French Viognier.
Tuscan Vermentino has well defined aromas and a characteristic saline taste, a perfect match to Grilled Fish, Baked Seabass and Turbot or "Orata all'Acquapazza" (Sea Bream poached with fresh cherry tomatoes).
Vermentino In Piemonte
In Piemonte, Favorita is a biotype of Vermentino. It grows primarily in the areas around the city of Alba, in the Roero zone, and the Alta Valle Belbo area.
Favorita wines are known for good acidity and intense Pear notes.
Vermentino In France
In France, Vermentino is called Rolle and it is often blended.