Vermentino Wine
Vermentino is a wine with so many faces, and yet only one identity. Many recognize it for the very intense, but not yet aromatic, bouquet, based on citrus fruits, white flowers, aromatic herbs such as thyme and basil and not too ripe yellow fruit. Above all, one will find the call of the sea inside this noble white wine, a true Mediterranean flair.
Unique in history and taste, Vermentino is a late-ripening grape and thrives better in a warm dry climate. It can adapt to different soils but in granite and rocks is where it performs the best. Vermentino, depending on the style, can be well paired with raw seafood, light or semi-cured cheese, up to stir fried white meat or fish in tomato sauce. Hence it can be good as an aperitif, light meal or even good to enjoy on its own, especially in the warm season.
Vermentino, nowadays, has gained international consent and fame as one of the top white wines.
Its Origin…
Vermentino is known as a white Italian varietal that is favored in Piedmont, Sardinia, Liguria, Umbria and some areas of Corsica. This beautiful variety has many synonyms in Italy including Favorita, Rolle, and many more. One article mentions that “Vermentino arrived in Gallura in the fourteenth century and coming from Liguria, was called “arratelau” in the past.” [1]
The exact origin of this noble grape variety is still debated, being found in Italy as well as in Spain, France, Portugal and Corsica, where it is the most cultivated grape variety. The origin story is yet to be officially written. Maybe it was born in Spain and then, passing through France, it arrived in Liguria and Sardinia or perhaps the variety spread in reverse. Others think it came with the Arabs during the conquest of Spain. With the origin still unknown, there are select places where the variety took root and thrives. Today, the wine is popular around the world. The saying in all regions is the same: drink Vermentino and you will be happier, it is known as the sunny wine!
Why we planted Vermentino in Napa Valley…
In 2019, Mark was feeling inspired to plant a few white heritage varietals on the Rutherford property with an innovative trellising system that he created over 20 years ago. In short, the system allows white wine to be grown underneath red varietals. The first of the heritage varieties to be planted underneath the Cabernet Sauvignon was 1.9 acres of Vermentino.
When Mark was a kid, there was a cousin variety, Malvasia, that was widely planted in Napa. Malvasia was first planted by Italian settlers in the early 1900s, and much of it was later ripped out and replanted as Napa’s leading varietals of today- Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Based on the similarities of farming this white varietal, he knew Vermentino would perform well in Rutherford- and it certainly did.
2021 RUTHERFORD DUST VERMENTINO |
“This elegant and medium-bodied white Italian varietal has incredible aromas of white nectarine, yellow apple, and spiced pears. The palate is noticeably round & voluminous that leaves beads of lemon citrus and minerality. Some undertone characteristics of summer squash, almonds, and citrus curd combine beautifully with the fresh fruit for a powerful palate.”
“With the soils, terroir and with the Mediterranean climate that Napa Valley has,
we felt that Vermentino would grow really well here. ” – Mark Neal
[1] http://www.comunas.it/j/v/221?s=5&v=9&c=2018&na=1&n=10&c1=2062&t=1