Vermentino
Vermentino is a white wine grape best known in Italy—and, to a lesser extent, France. Significant plantings of Vermentino can be found in Sardinia, the northwest of Italy, and the south of France. Outside of these primary regions, Vermentino is also grown in several diverse regions internationally.
The Vermentino grape has a thin, light-colored skin, producing wines that are usually very aromatic, light-bodied and refreshing. Its aromatic profile can include floral notes, citrus fruits, white fruits and sometimes a nutty quality. On the palate, its flavors range from citrus fruits to mineral notes and even salinity. Vermentino is known for its distinctive bitter finish, reminiscent of almonds. Vermentino is sometimes harvested early to preserve its acidity and are generally enjoyed young.
Though most Vermentino is light in body, some producers opt for a richer and fuller style. This is usually achieved through the process of malolactic fermentation: a secondary fermentation that transfers tart malic acid into creamier lactic acid. This is typically done in oak barrels, and the wines may also be aged in oak for a time.
The Sardinian Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) appellation, Vermentino di Gallura, produces some of the best known Vermentino. Wines produced from Vermentino can also be found across numerous other Italian Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) areas. Such designated areas, or appellations, enforce strict controls on participating producers—from vineyard management and winemaking practices, to aging and beyond.
These wines should theoretically be of a higher quality than wines without such designations, though there are exceptions. The individual rules will vary from appellation to appellation, but Vermentino is either required or permitted in the blend for a wide variety of these wines.
In Italy, Vermentino forms part of or the entire blend for Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, Vermentino di Sardinia DOC, Riviera Ligure di Ponente Vermentino DOC and Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC, among others. French Vermentino is popular in Patrimonio, Bellet (where the grape is known as Rolle) and numerous Languedoc-Roussillon appellations; notably Côtes du Roussillon.
Elsewhere, Vermentino is grown in the USA, Australia, Lebanon and Malta. American plantings of Vermentino span many states including California, Texas, Virginia and North Carolina.
Though best known as Vermentino, the grape has numerous synonyms. In Piedmont, the grape is known as Favorita—also sometimes called Favorita Bianca or Favorita d’Alba. In the Liguria region of northwest Italy, it’s called Pigato. In Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon, it’s better known as Rolle. Other synonyms include Vermentini, Vermentino Pigato and Vermentino Bianco.
Vermentino should not be confused with Vermentino Nero, an unrelated Tuscan grape that is nearing extinction.
Searching for an excellent Vermentino wine? Use the Wine Enthusiast Buying Guide below and browse through thousands of reviews from our expert tasters to help you pinpoint the right bottle for your enjoyment.
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Domaine Petroni 2020 Vermentino (Corse)
FranceIn this fresh and crisp wine, a saline edge reflects the effect ...See Full Review$22 -
Vigneti Zanatta 2021 Orion (Vermentino di Sardegna)
Sicily & SardiniaThis extremely simple white has aromas of tropical fruit and beeswax. The ...Best BuySee Full Review$8 -
Bella Grace 2021 Vermentino (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsThis aromatic and intricately layered wine offers tempting aromas of basil, mint ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$28 -
Prima Materia 2020 Vermentino (Red Hills)
Lake CountyVanilla and butter aromas lead to rich, mouthfilling flavors of apple tart ...See Full Review$25 -
Via Romano 2020 Vermentino (El Dorado County)
Sierra FoothillsThis aromatic and full-bodied wine is two pours in one. White-pepper and ...See Full Review$30 -
Starfield 2020 Estate Grown Vermentino (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsThe grape variety's sometimes rowdy veggie flavors are subdued in this full-bodied ...See Full Review$28 -
Day 2020 Isla Vermentino (Applegate Valley)
Southern OregonSourced from the Layne Vineyard, this is a fresh and invigorating white ...See Full Review$24 -
Troon 2020 Amphora Rolle Vermentino (Applegate Valley)
Southern OregonFoot crushed and amphora aged, this retains its bright, sharp, angular and ...See Full Review$60 -
Troon 2020 Amphora Amber Vermentino (Applegate Valley)
Southern OregonThis unique wine completely encapsulates the current natural-wine zeitgeist—biodynamic grapes fermented with ...See Full Review$60 -
Castello di Amorosa 2020 Temecula Valley Vermentino (Temecula Valley)
South CoastLeafy herbs, onions and garlic crowd the aroma of this full-bodied wine ...See Full Review$32 -
Broken Earth 2020 Limited Release Vermentino (Paso Robles)
Central CoastThere's a sharp, metallic aroma to the nose of this bottling that's ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$32 -
Portalupi 2020 Mahoney Vermentino (Carneros)
Napa-SonomaThis wine offers an earthy entry of stone fruit and lemon rind, ...See Full Review$32 -
Section Wines 2020 Vermentino (Santa Ynez Valley)
Central CoastThis is one of the most promising grapes in California right now, ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$32 -
Brick Barn 2020 Vermentino (Santa Ynez Valley)
Central CoastVery light in the glass, this bottling of a very promising grape ...See Full Review$42 -
Azienda Agricola Rocca 2020 Podere don Cataldo Vermentino (Salento)
Southern ItalyDelicately concentrated aromas of melon, mango and white blossoms grace the nose ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Robert Hall 2020 Cavern Select Vermentino (Paso Robles)
Central CoastVermentino is a strong choice for warmer climates, exhibiting subtle aromas of ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$24 -
Maris 2019 Made with Organic Grapes Vermentino (Vin de France)
France OtherA light citrusy nose on this wine combines lemon and white blossoms ...See Full Review$17 -
Capichera 2018 Vermentino (Isola dei Nuraghi)
Sicily & SardiniaSmooth and generous, this 100% Vermentino has inviting aromas of white spring ...See Full Review$47 -
Tablas Creek 2020 Vermentino (Adelaida District)
Central CoastThis always exciting bottling gets better with each vintage. Chiseled stone and ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$27 -
Surrau 2020 Branu (Vermentino di Gallura)
Sicily & SardiniaThis savory, enticing white will transport you to the seaside thanks to ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$20
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