Vermentino
Classic aromas of Vermentino are: Lemon, Yellow Peach, Mandarin and Honeycomb
Vermentino is a white grape variety that originates on the French island of Corisca. It has been planted in Corsica since the in the 13th century and over this time was brought to Piemonte, then later to Sardinia of Italy. It also has a fairly long history in the south of France, here known as Rolle.
In France Vermentino is even wider planted than in its home of Italy. It makes up a total of 3,453ha mostly in Provence – where it makes sumptuous whites and blended into roses to add acidity and floral aromas. It is also still the leading white grape of the wines of Corsica.
In Italy there is a total of 3,000ha of Vermintino planted. It is made throughout the north of Italy but it is most widespread in Liguira in north-western Italy and on the island of Sardinia. On Sardinia, Vermentino is the most important grape variety making up the famous Vermentino di Gallura DOCG wines.
There are have been a few plantings of Vermentino outside of Italy and France, the leading plantings are found in California and Australia, both of which only have very small plantings. Vermentino is also making some of the most exciting white wines in Virginia in the USA.
Vermentino makes wines that are medium-full bodied whites with high acidities. The best examples are fragrant with floral and stone-fruits interplaying with citrus fruits. Lemon, mandarin, honeysuckle and yellow peaches are the main aromas, with baking spice and honeycomb aromas emerging with age.