Vermentino

Calling Sardinia home this white is the perfect match for Mediterranean flavours. Florent Giovannone, head of wine for Notting Hill’s new Caia, chooses four top vermentinos to try

The Grape

Although theories it originated in Spain or even the Middle East abound, vermentino is famed in Italy, specifically Sardinia, but also in the north-west and Tuscany. It is, in fact, identical to pigato of Liguria and favorita of Piedmont, with rolle found in Provence also sharing striking similarities. While it’s primarily beloved for its whites, it’s also used for sweet wines and sparklers.

The Taste

The straw-coloured wine is sometimes compared to sauvignon blanc, with lime, grapefruit, apple and peach, and tropical pineapple and mango in sunnier climes, plus floral notes. It has nice acidity and seaside planting gives it a touch of salt.

The Pairings

Its origins by the sea, and specifically Sardinian island life, make it a great match for the Mediterranean diet, especially seafood, from grilled fish to octopus, squid and shellfish. Anything that finds itself above the coals – vegetables, chicken – works well too, as do goat’s cheese and salty pre-dinner snacks.

The Vines

Sardinia is its spiritual home and DOCG Vermentino di Gallura, in the north, is the island’s only DOCG. But, aside from having twins in Liguria and Piedmont, and a sibling in France, the grape has also taken root in the islands of Corsica, Malta and Madeira, as well as further afield in USA, Australia and Lebanon.