Vermentino

A fantastic, aromatic white grape whose best wines come from a northeastern corner of Sardinia called Gallura. Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, despite its light body, can be decidedly complex. Common flavors associated with this wine include pear, white peach, grapefruit, lime zest, fresh almond and crushed rocks. It is dry but fruity and the finish is snappy and bright. Sardinian producers like to pick early to retain lively acidity but a fuller style has also become popular. In lesser proportions Vermentino grows on the island of Corsica. But it comprises a large proportion of the whites in southern France, namely Provence, where it is called Rolle. Vermentino does well in Tuscany and in Piedmont, where it is called Favorita. It also is thought to be genetically identical to Ligurian’s Pigato grape. As Pigato and Favorita, it does well paired with fresh and simple seafood dishes and light appetizers. Wines with similar characteristics to Vermentino include Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Albariño and Grüner Veltliner.