Bright, fresh, and supremely drinkable, Vermentino is made from a white grape variety native to the Mediterranean and planted widely on islands like Sardinia and Corsica, with most expressions still coming from Italy and France. But the adaptable, warm-weather grape is traveling further afield, with winemakers in Australia and the U.S. also crafting single-varietal Vermentinos. Ranging from tart and fruity to creamy with pronounced salinity, the wine is a natural match for seafood and an ideal summer sipper.
Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve
In north central Virginia, Barboursville Vineyards discovered that Vermentino grapes adapted particularly well to the warm climate at the historic estate. Bottled since 2012, their Vermentino Reserve showcases the varietal’s bright fruit flavors of citrus and pear, while seven to eight months of aging on the lees gives the wine solid body and structure, with a lingering minerality on the finish. $23, bbvwine.com
Yves Leccia “E Croce” Patrimonio Blanc
Sixth-generation winemaker Yves Leccia works solely on the stony E Croce plateau in the Patrimonio region of Corsica where he grew up. His “E Croce” Patrimonio Blanc is made from Vermentino vines planted in 1989. The resulting wine carries aromas of flint and citrus rind, while a noticeable savory character is complemented by notes of tart fruit and honey. $44.99, nyc.flatiron-wines.com
Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino
Founded in 1937 by Antonio Argiolas on the island of Sardinia, the Argiolas winery farms 600 acres of grapes native to the island, including Vermentino. Costamolino is vinified in stainless steel, preserving its fresh
This Article was originally published on IMBIBE Magazine
