Summer Sipping in the Sun

As the temperatures start to edge up into the high 80’s and I change my calendar from May to June, I am in the mood... the mood to drink wine… specifically white wine. I crave something refreshing, yet interesting, citrusy, but with character, acidic and balanced (picky—I know).  And of course, I always want to try something new, but, with the constantly evolving wine industry, changing vintages and multitude of wines to choose from, which wine will satisfy my craving? The answer is: Vermentino. The perfect summer wine that’s new, different and my new love.

Vermentino is an attractive, aromatic white grape variety widely grown in Sardinia, Liguria and Corsica.  There are several theories about Vermentino’s origins, some say it is identical to the Rolle variety grown in Provence, some say it is a relation of Malvasia brought to Italy by the Spanish.  Regardless of its beginnings, the resulting wines are fabulous, featuring bright acidity, aromas of citrus leaf, a very unique minerality, and a refreshing finish.  Vermentino wines are superb with food, pairing great with spicy foods, seafood and even pork.  Vermentino can be hard to find as it tends to be part of the grape unknown, but WineSpecialist.com has 4 different Vermentino’s, each a new discovery and worth a departure from the known.  So step away from the opulent Chardonnays, and the passion fruit filled Sauvignon Blancs, and be one of the few to tout Vermentino as your summer must have. 

Argiolas Costamoline Vermentino di Sardegna 2005, $12.99

Argiolas 'Is Argiolas' Vermentino di Sardegna 2005, $19.99

Pala 'Crabilis' Vermentino di Sardegna 2005, $12.99

Funtanaliras Vermentino di Gallura 2005, $19.99

Cheers!

The Wine Specialist