Vermentino
Vermentino is a quintessentially Mediterranean white grape variety. Long confused with other closely related varieties, it is now clearly identified and cultivated under different names depending on the region: Rolle in Provence, Favorita in Piedmont and Vermentinu in Corsica. Its precise origins remain a matter of debate, although it is most likely Ligurian or Spanish. Over the centuries, the variety spread to Tuscany, Sardinia and Corsica, as well as southern France.
Vermentino thrives in warm, dry terroirs, often on stony soils close to the sea. It tolerates heat and drought well while retaining good acidity. Maritime winds also help keep the grapes healthy, particularly on the island slopes of Corsica and Sardinia. The variety has become firmly established in prestigious appellations including Patrimonio, Bellet and Colli di Luni, as well as Sardinia’s Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, where it reaches its most refined expression.
Vermentino generally produces dry, aromatic, vibrant wines. The nose often opens with citrus notes – lemon zest and grapefruit – alongside pear, white flowers and Mediterranean herbs such as fennel, rosemary and garrigue, with saline or lightly smoky notes sometimes emerging depending on the terroir. On the palate, Vermentino combines pronounced saline freshness with a lively, highly drinkable balance, gaining greater richness when aged on the lees or in barrel. Several estates produce outstanding expressions of Vermentino, including Château d’Esclans, Domaine Comte Abbatucci and Clos Canarelli.
