Vermentino is the white grape of the Mediterranean coast: fresh, saline and fragrant, with citrus, white flowers and wild herbs. Here you'll find Vermentino from Sardinia, Liguria and Tuscany, Rolle from Provence, Vermentinu from Corsica, and Pigato and Favorita, the regional names for the same grape.
What is Vermentino? One grape, many names
Vermentino nearly always grows within sight of the sea, from Sardinia and Corsica along the Ligurian and Tuscan coast to Provence and the Languedoc. Its name changes along the way: in France it is Rolle, in Corsica Vermentinu, in Liguria Pigato and in Piedmont Favorita. DNA profiling has shown that Pigato and Favorita are genetically identical to Vermentino; the differences in berry colour and leaf shape are clonal variations that developed over centuries.
Vermentino wine typically shows lemon and grapefruit, white flowers, fennel and Mediterranean herbs, with a gently bitter almond note on the finish and a salty edge that recalls sea air. Most are fermented and kept in stainless steel and drunk young. Single-vineyard wines, Superiore bottlings and wines aged longer on their lees gain more texture and can keep for a few years.
Vermentino di Sardegna and Vermentino di Gallura
Sardinia is the grape's most important home. The Vermentino di Sardegna DOC covers the whole island and stands for juicy, approachable whites such as Argiolas' Costamolino and Is Argiolas, Santadi's Cala Silente from the Sulcis, the wines of Sella & Mosca in Alghero, Contini's Pariglia, and the Vermentino of Pala, Cherchi and Mesa. In the island's north-east lies Gallura, where sandy granite soils give tighter, more mineral wines. Vermentino di Gallura has been Sardinia's only DOCG since 1996 and requires at least 95 percent Vermentino.
Vermentino from Liguria and Tuscany
Liguria makes slender, herb-scented wines. In the Colli di Luni, on the border with Tuscany, Lunae Bosoni produces its Etichetta Grigia and Etichetta Nera, and from the Cinque Terre comes Forlini Cappellini's white, where Vermentino is blended with Bosco and Albarola. In the Riviera Ligure di Ponente the grape is called Pigato, after the small speckles on its berries, and Alessandri and Poggio dei Gorleri show how spicy and full it can be. In Piedmont, Angelo Negro makes a light, floral Favorita from the Langhe.
On the Tuscan coast Vermentino has earned its place alongside the famous reds. A Bolgheri Vermentino must contain at least 85 percent of the grape, and producers include Guado al Tasso, Poggio al Tesoro and Grattamacco. Tua Rita makes Perlato del Bosco, and in blends such as Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia and Frescobaldi's Gorgona, Vermentino plays a leading role. Explore more wines from Tuscany and the rest of Italy.
Rolle in Provence and Vermentinu in Corsica
In Provence, Rolle is one of the main white grapes of the Côtes de Provence, and it also goes into many rosés, where it adds freshness and floral notes. Whispering Angel from Château d'Esclans and the Miraval rosé include Rolle alongside Grenache and Cinsault, which is why they appear here too; find more in our rosé wine range. In Corsica, Vermentinu is the leading white grape, and Abbatucci's Faustine Vieilles Vignes shows the island's powerful, spicy style.
Food pairing with Vermentino
Vermentino is a seafood wine in the best sense: grilled fish, mussels, fritto misto and seafood pasta, and above all pesto alla genovese, the classic partner for Ligurian Pigato. Sardinian Vermentino suits bottarga and pecorino, while the fuller Superiore wines can take on chicken and grilled vegetables. Serve at eight to ten degrees.
Vermentino FAQ
What does Vermentino taste like?
A dry white wine, usually fresh and aromatic, with citrus, herbs and a saline minerality and a light almond bitterness on the finish.
Is Rolle the same grape as Vermentino?
Yes. Rolle is the French name and Vermentinu the Corsican one. A Provençal Rolle is often a little rounder than a Ligurian Vermentino, but the grape is the same.
What is the difference between Vermentino di Sardegna and Vermentino di Gallura?
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC can be made anywhere in Sardinia. Vermentino di Gallura DOCG comes only from the north-east of the island, with stricter rules and granite soils that give tighter wines with more ageing potential.