Vermentino is one of Italy’s most luscious grapes and is often overlooked in the United States, usually for the simple reason that most have never heard of it.
It is grown over much of Italy as well as in limited amounts in France and the U.S. Much of the very best is from the gorgeous Mediterranean island of Sardinia.
Like the delicious Pinot Grigio grape, Vermentino is occasionally over-produced and insipid. But in the best versions, Vermentino has a complex, beguiling flavor and aromas that bring to mind river rocks, flowers, and green apples.
The wine I am recommending is a Vermentino di Gallura Superiore, and it achieves the Italian ranking of DOCG, which is just about as good as it gets. The wine is from Surrau and they call it Sciala, priced between $25 and $33. It is one of the most awarded wines from Sardinia and a wonderful introduction to first class Vermentino.
For a perfect dinner to go with this wine, try a caprese salad, maybe with a few freshly popped raw oysters, followed by a sautéed Gulf redfish. You’ll end the meal searching for flights to Sardinia so you can enjoy the wine at its natural home.
This article appears in May 16 • 2025.
Discover more from The Austin Chronicle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
