VERMENTINO
Coastal Freshness With a Salty Snap
Vermentino is a sun-loving white grape that thrives near the sea, producing bright, aromatic wines with a zesty edge. Native to the Mediterranean, especially Italy and southern France, Vermentino offers crisp acidity, citrusy lift, and a touch of salinity that makes it a natural match for seafood and warm-weather fare. Whether from Sardinia, Liguria, or Corsica, Vermentino delivers coastal charm in every glass.
Key Characteristics
Vermentino is typically light to medium-bodied, with high acidity and a dry finish. It’s aromatic and refreshing, showing notes of citrus, green apple, herbs, and sea breeze minerality. Some styles offer a touch of texture or creaminess from lees aging.
Style
Still, white
Body
Light to medium
Acidity
Medium to high
Primary Grapes
Vermentino (also known as Rolle in France)
Typical Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, pear, white peach, almond, thyme, saline, crushed rock
Origin & History
Vermentino’s exact origins are debated—some suggest Spain, others Liguria—but today it’s most closely associated with Italy, particularly Sardinia and the Tuscan coast. In Sardinia, it’s the star of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, producing structured, mineral-driven wines. In Liguria and Corsica, it’s grown in terraced seaside vineyards where it expresses purity and briny freshness. It’s also found in southern France (as Rolle), where it’s often blended or made into fuller-bodied whites.
How It’s Made
Vermentino is typically fermented in stainless steel to preserve its bright fruit and crispness. Some producers use extended lees contact or neutral oak to add weight and roundness. It’s almost always made in a dry, unoaked style, though experimentation is growing in cooler and higher-altitude sites.
Notable Regions
Vermentino shows regional nuance but always keeps a maritime soul:
Italy
Sardinia
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
Structured, mineral, and citrusy with a subtle bitter almond finish
Italy
Liguria
Colli di Luni, Riviera Ligure di Ponente
Fresh and floral with a salty edge and herbal lift
France
Provence, Corsica
As Rolle
Softly textured with peach, herbs, and sea breeze character
Italy
Tuscany
Maremma
Riper, rounder expressions with hints of tropical fruit and spice
United States
California
Paso Robles, Sierra Foothills
New World takes with citrus, melon, and sunny ripeness
Food Pairings
Vermentino’s brightness and minerality pair beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and garden-fresh fare.
Seafood
Grilled shrimp, oysters, seafood pasta, mussels in white wine
Vegetarian
Zucchini fritters, caprese salad, herbed white bean stew
Cheeses
Ricotta, fresh chèvre, Pecorino
Other
Pesto pasta, roast chicken with lemon, tapas
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass to emphasize freshness and aromatics
Temperature
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Storage
Store upright in a cool, dark place; best enjoyed within 1–3 years
Fun Fact
Vermentino often finishes with a subtle bitter note—similar to almond or grapefruit pith—that’s considered a hallmark of the grape and a palate-refreshing asset.
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Mediterranean whites, capturing the freshness, minerality, and sunlit charm of Italy and Corsica.
Campo alle Comete
A coastal Tuscan estate crafting aromatic, expressive blends like Albablu Bianco that reflect the breezes and brightness of Bolgheri.
Clos Canarelli
A benchmark Corsican producer known for biodynamic wines with texture, depth, and a true sense of island terroir.
Jankara
A standout in Sardinia’s Gallura region, producing crisp, mineral-driven Vermentino with vibrant citrus and saline precision.
Val delle Rose
A Maremma-based label under the Cecchi family, offering polished, fruit-forward Vermentino like Litorale with broad appeal.
Recommended Pours
Campo Alle Comete - Albablu Bianco 2023 — A crisp and aromatic Tuscan white blend with notes of citrus, white flowers, and a refreshing coastal lift.
Clos Canarelli - Corse Figari Blanc NV — A textured and expressive Corsican white offering stone fruit, wild herbs, and a distinctly saline finish.
Jankara - Vermentino Di Gallura 2023 — A vibrant Sardinian Vermentino with lemon zest, green almond, and a mineral, mouthwatering edge.
Val Delle Rose - Litorale Vermentino 2021 — A bright and elegant Maremma Vermentino showing pear, grapefruit, and a clean, breezy finish.