All about Vermentino
Vermentino is a white grape variety grown for a long time in the Corsica and Rolle mountains to produce white wine . Its origins are somewhat unknown: some claim that this variety originates from Italy and others lean towards a Spanish origin. Its typically Italian sound leads us to believe that it is from the country in question. We tell you all about this grape variety!
Location areas
It is a variety grown exclusively in the Mediterranean , more precisely in the coastal region . It is grown the most in the Corsica massif, but it is also found in the Rolle (Provençal coast) and in the Languedoc plain as a secondary grape variety. It could be called Malvasia of Corsica in the island of beauty. It is a vigorous grape variety that has spread since 2006 over 3100 hectares of vineyards .
Features
The main characteristic of Vermentino is that it has medium to large tapered bunches. Its fins are well developed. Its berries are also medium-sized, slightly ellipsoidal, white in color which turns pink when overripe. It easily adapts to the hot climate , dry areas and not very fertile land around the Mediterranean. This climatic situation ensures a very good productivity. Cut short, it is driven on iron wire, since it is quite sensitive to the wind.
This late-harvested variety is somewhat susceptible to acid rot and fairly susceptible to powdery mildew. This is why it does not like wet ground and is broken in according to the appropriate climatic aptitudes. Indeed, this variety benefits from an average bud burst , a week and a half after the Chasselas. It is recognized by its young twigs with a very high amount of prostate hairs. Its leaves are yellow when young and dark green when older.
They have 5 or 7 lobes with a slightly open petiolar sinus or with slightly overlapping lobes. Laterally, the sinuses are perfectly defined and deep. The ribs have a low rate of anthocyanosides. The wines produced from this grape variety are quality white wines with a very beautiful pale color. They generally reveal a perfect balance, but lack a tiny bit of acidity. It is important to note that this variety can perfectly blend with Ugni Blanc.
Vineyard known for the cultivation of vermentino
- Coasts of Provence
Côtes-de-Province is an AOC produced over a vast expanse of provincial vineyards, more specifically in the departments of Var, Bouches du Rhône and Alpes Maritimes. White wines offer a taste of brioche, green almond and hazelnut when aged on lees. The wines grown in this vineyard have a good aging potential.
Discover the rosés from the Oé selection
- Costieres of Nimes
The curbs of Nîmes display a complex Mediterranean temperament. They are sometimes calm and colorful, fruity and spicy, wild and coaxing and sometimes reveal floral notes.
- Luberon
It is one of the most Mediterranean grape varieties in the Rhône Valley . It is an emblematic grape variety of Provence where the vines have been grown since antiquity. The white wines made from vermentino keep a fresh finish revealing themselves on the aromas of citrus fruits. This viticultural flavor is justified by the fact that this grape variety is grown on stony alluvium.
- Ventoux
On the territory of Ventoux, the vine has been cultivated since antiquity. Le Mont is located in France in the Vaucluse department in the Provence Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. However, Côtes de Roussillon, Faugères, Clape, Minervois, Languedoc and Corsican wines are also wines made from Vermentino.
Tasting tips
This variety is a grape that can be eaten fresh or dried. It reveals a floral note and aromas of green almond, fennel, very ripe apricot, grapefruit, pear, apple, etc. It can therefore be perfectly served with artichokes, gourmet peas or a cod chop with fingerling potatoes.
In most cases, Vermentino wines are drunk young. This is why it is necessary to put them in contact with oxygen or to decant them. Be careful, however, to decant only old wines. Decanting is the operation which consists in separating the solid part from the liquid part.
To learn more about settling, check out this article on the subject.
Vermentino vintages
2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 are the best vintages for this variety and 2002 was the worst vintage for this variety. Note that 2007 is the greatest vintage of all time . The grapes were harvested early in the morning in order to obtain good aromas. Their fermentation was done partially and by cold maceration and the must remained in contact with the skin for about 6 hours and at a temperature of 5°C.
After a brief natural decantation, the clearest wort was broken and started to ferment. The fermentation temperature was kept below 18°C. The wine was kept in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks until bottling in February 2008. The fermentation techniques used enhanced the aromas and structure typical of the grape varieties used. Note that this variety has 14 approved clones which carry the following numbers: 639, 640, 766, 795, 856, 876, 912, 913, 914, 915, 963, 964, 1081 and 1082. Most of the time, this variety bears the name of “ vermentino b ”.
