With its multiple declinations, Vermentino is a wine capable of exalting with its most prized labels the territories in which the vine grows. From North to South, this wine has spread massively, representing the pride of the regions most suited to its production: Liguria, Tuscany and especially Sardinia.

The uncertain origins and terroir of Vermentino

As with many wines, the origins of Vermentino are rooted in an unclear past, during which the vines travelled from country to country, and region to region, in a journey that made them true citizens of the world.

Among the most accredited hypotheses is the one that places the first appearance of Vermentino in Spain, in an undefined period. From there, the vine began its movement across Europe, first reaching France, then Corsica around the 14th century.

However, it found its greatest fortune in 19th-century Italy, specifically in Liguria, where the vine spread like wildfire until it crossed regional borders and took up residence in the areas of the Peninsula most able to offer it ideal climatic conditions, in particular the territories close to the sea. This predilection is due to its good resistance to drought and salty winds. Vines grow luxuriantly in the hilly areas near the coasts, characterised by mild climates and dry soils of varying composition: granitic, calcareous or clayey.

The history of Vermentino led it centuries later to become one of the best-loved Mediterranean wines, now cultivated in numerous regions, with a preponderance in Sardinia (provinces of Cagliari, Nuoro, Oristano, Sassari and the north-eastern area of Gallura), Tuscany (especially in the areas of Grosseto, Massa Carrara, Livorno and Lucca) and Liguria (along the western Ligurian Riviera, the Colli di Luni, around the Gulf of Tigullio and towards Valpolcevera). The Vermentino di Gallura DOCG and Vermentino di Toscana IGT stand out among the most prized products.

One wine, different declinations: the organoleptic characteristics of Vermentino

It is not easy to describe this Italian white wine without the risk of falling into generalisations. Indeed, the vinification of the grape variety gives rise to different declinations, on which the Vermentino production area has an influence.

The Ligurian one is characterised by a straw-yellow colour, with slight nuances ranging from green to golden. The aromatic bouquet conquers the nose mainly thanks to fresh citrus notes of citron, to which hints of peach and apricot are added. Mineral and savoury, this Vermentino also proves to be a wine of great depth on the palate.

Moving down to central Italy, one can taste Vermentino di Toscana IGT, also known as Vino del Mar Tirreno. Harmonious and elegant, it has a moderate alcohol content and a soft colour. Its main characteristics include hints of white-fleshed fruit, but there is also an undertone of aromatic herbs and a minerality reminiscent of the maritime settings in which its grapes ripen. Also excellent as an ageing wine, with time this wine mellows its savouriness and takes on a pleasant softness.

Finally, among the best known examples of this wine is the Sardinian declination, the only DOCG in the region. Among the main characteristics of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG are a good structure and discrete alcohol content, as well as a rather pronounced minerality. In the basic version, the classic fruity and floral notes also welcome a slightly almondy aftertaste.

There are several versions of this Vermentino, each with its own peculiarities: the Superiore, characterised by soft vanilla hints due to ageing; the Spumante version, fresh and fruity, with fine, persistent bubbles and a lively character; and the passito and late harvest versions, distinguished by a distinct aromaticity and hints of ripe fruit.

What to pair Vermentino with in cooking?

On the table, Vermentino - whether Tuscan, Ligurian or Sardinian - is an excellent companion for a variety of dishes, but it is at its best with fish dishes.

If served at the beginning of a meal, it can successfully accompany various kinds of appetisers: fried seafood, octopus and potato salads, rustic and tasty snacks, both in its still and sparkling versions.

Vermentino continues to do an excellent job when paired with tasty seafood dishes, such as spaghetti allo scoglio, with clams, or with bottarga, as well as with grilled prawns and various fish main courses, thus demonstrating great versatility and the ability to contrast the savouriness of the catch with its aromatic notes.

A goblet of Monteoro Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG 2021 is also an excellent accompaniment to platters of fresh cheeses and white meat main courses. It is less suitable for red meats, which prefer the body and structure of a red wine.

This wine is also a great protagonist at the end of a meal. For an exceptional taste experience, it can be sipped with desserts of various kinds, such as dry pastries, cream cakes, mignons and tarts, as well as sweets belonging to the gastronomic tradition of the Vermentino grape variety's area of origin.

The typical Sardinian seadas, for example, can be successfully paired with a glass of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Passito (which also goes well with blue cheeses).

Now that Vermentino has no more secrets, discover the best labels selected for you by the experts at Svinando!