VERMENTINO
The History of Vermentino
Vermentino is one of the more recent grapes introduced in Sardinia and in fact, it made it’s first appearance on the island at the end of the nineteenth century. It is a grape that is grown in several countries along the Mediterranean coast, from Spain to Liguria and in some parts of the southern coast of France. Many scholars think that it is of Spanish origin and that it emigrated to Corsica in the XIV century and then appeared in Tuscany, Liguria and Sardinia. Despite the recent introduction in Sardinia, Vermentino is today, one of the most popular white grape varieties in the territory, and one of the most valuable that has gained both national and international recognition.
Synonyms of Vermentino:
Carbesso o Carbes, Malvasia grossa, Verlantin.
The Vermentino Vine
Vermentino is characterized by its leaves, which are medium sized, pentagonal and pentalobed, dark green in color, with a silky and arachnoid underside. The edges are irregularly toothed and accentuated and the clusters are medium-large sized, cylindrical, and almost widespread. The grapes are medium sized with a moderately thick and waxy skin. The grapes are an amber yellow color, sometimes greenish, with a colorless juice and neutral flavor. The grape ripens during the second half of September (third period). Vermentino is typically trained with the sapling technique, but newer systems prefer expanded forms that guarantee a constant and abundant production. This grapevine has no particular soil or climate requirements, although it prefers loose granite residuous soils, hillside exposure, to produce a wine with finesse. Its resistance to adverse weather conditions and cryptogams is not so good, with the exception to the Powdery Mildew.
Vermentino Wine
The DOC denominated “Vermentino di Sardegna” is reserved to the white wines made from Vermentino grapes with a maximum allowance of 15% other white grapes, not including aromatic varieties, that are recommended and authorized for individual provinces. The grapes used to make this wine must ensure a natural minimum alcohol content of 10,0%. Vermentino is characterized by a brilliant, white to pale straw yellow color with light green hues. The aroma is distinctive, delicate and pleasant, with a dry, sweet and savory, fresh, tart, taste and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
“Vermentino di Sardegna” wines are regulated by the Decree of the President of the Republic on 23 February 1988.