Vermentino: origins and particularities of this grape variety

While Vermentino is a white grape variety mainly grown in Italy, it is also the source of great white wines in the south of France. Better known as Rolle in Provence or Vermentinu in Corsica, Vermentino is particularly appreciated for its ability to produce deep and elegant white wines.

In short, a white grape variety to (re)discover urgently! Find in this guide everything you need to know about Vermentino through its history, its aromatic particularities and its appellations. Also discover in this article, all our advice for making the best food and wine pairings with dry white wine made from Vermentino.

Description and origins of Vermentino

Vermentino is a Mediterranean white grape variety from Malvoisie. Although its origins are still debated, the most likely hypothesis is that Vermentino appeared in Italy after being brought back from Greece (probably by Venetian merchants). In any case, Vermentino has now conquered part of the Mediterranean coasts (Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon) as well as some of its islands (notably Corsica and Sardinia). Since Vermentino is a late-ripening grape variety, it needs a warm and dry climate to develop properly. Indeed, fearing powdery mildew and humidity, Vermentino has not taken root in other terroirs, with cold or temperate climates. Even if its intrinsic qualities rank it among the best Mediterranean white grape varieties, its low acidity encourages tasting white wines made from Vermentino, most often in their youth.

The main terroirs where Vermentino is grown in France

Outside of France, Vermentino is mainly found in Italy, where it produces a classy dry white wine and a few rare sweet wines. In France, Vermentino is the flagship grape variety of the Corsican vineyard and in particular of the AOC Patrimonio appellation. It is also on the terroirs of the Isle of Beauty that Vermentino reveals its full potential and complexity. Preferring hot and dry regions (as well as less fertile soils), Vermentino also thrives in other vineyards in the south of France such as Provence (where it is called rolle) or, more recently, in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Aromatic characteristics of Vermentino

Often vinified as a single grape variety in Corsica, particularly in the emblematic AOC Patrimonio appellation, Vermentino is more often blended with other white or even red grape varieties when it produces rosé wine. This is particularly the case in Provence or Languedoc-Roussillon, where it brings its creamy texture and delicate aromatic palette to white and rosé wines.

Characteristics of Vermentino in dry white wine:

● Appearance: Pale yellow color.

● Nose: On the nose, Vermentino develops fine and complex aromas of flowers (hawthorn, lime), fennel, almond and peach.

● Palate: Low in acidity, Vermentino produces white wine that is both tender and smooth on the palate. Its complexity and length make it one of the greatest white grape varieties in the Mediterranean.

The best food and wine pairings with Vermentino

Discover our tips for making the best food and wine pairings with dry white wine made with Vermentino:

● With a bouillabaisse or aioli, go for a regional food and wine pairing with a bottle of dry white wine from an AOC Coteaux-d’aix-en-Provence, AOC Bellet or AOC Coteaux-varois-en-Provence estate. Blended with other white grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Clairette or Ugni Blanc, Rolle (as it is called in Provence), brings to its appellations all its aromas of white flowers, iodine and fennel. An ideal partner for your fish recipes.

● To enhance a scallop risotto or chicken curry, turn to a bottle of more opulent Corsican Vermentino from an AOC Patrimonio or IGP Île de Beauté estate. Vinified as a single grape variety, Corsican Vermentino offers dry white wines with complex aromas of hawthorn and almond, as well as a superb texture in the mouth.

● Finally, if you want to discover another side of Vermentino, let yourself be tempted by a rosé wine composed of a blend of red grape varieties and Vermentino. To do this, opt for a rosé from an AOC Côtes-de-Provence or Languedoc-Roussillon estate. With its pale pink color and notes of grapefruit, flowers and exotic fruits, these vintages will work wonders as an aperitif or on a barbecue.

Have you deepened your knowledge of Vermentino by tasting a small bottle? On Avenue des vins, we offer white wine, red wine, rosé wine and champagne directly from the estate or chateau of your choice. Each estate and chateau is selected with the greatest care and our wines are available for delivery