“Here and there, in the middle of virgin forest or delightful vineyard, you come across some imposing boulder thrown on the earth, you don’t know how, why, or by whom”
Enrico Costa 1874
Vermentino Gallura D.O.C.G.
It is a white wine made from the Vermentino grape cultivated in northern Sardinia, speci- fically in Gallura. In this Sardinian sub region Vermentino Gallura is a real way of life. Its mineral and delicate taste with intense fruity notes is persistent and velvety on the palate. With its golden color the Vermentino Gallura DOCG is unique and unmistakable.
From wherever you come from, you always know when you are finally in Gallura.
You can see at first glance the gentle and powerful rocky elements, a relaxing but pulsating landscape, where the whipping wind and water have shaped and modified everything that hinders their passage over time: granite, trees, sandy soils that support the vineyards and the centurie-sold oaks trees like a warm cradle. The disintegration of the granite rock gives rise to the sandy parts of the soil and its feldspar, rich in sodium, calcium, potassium, quartz, and mica crystals, give a typical mineral flavour to the Vermentino from Gallura.
Light gives life…
In this area, as throughout the whole of Sardinia everything is enveloped by a vivid light, which assures well-being and has a positive effect on the bright bunches, and it turns them golden as they ripen between August and September. If light had a taste it would be that of Vermentino di Gallura! The long days of sunlight activate vigorous photosynthesis to the vines, and the general thermal conditions guarantees that the phenological phases are completed quickly but intensely.
The wind is almost always present in Gallura, and it makes the landscapes crisp, clear and defined. Breathing this wind gives a deep sensation of freedom and a clean environment. The wind is also essential for the health of the vines which constantly dries them of the nightly humidity, and they can grown organically, under integrated cultivation systems. Moreover the microclimate, with a considerable temperature swing between day and night, allows the development of the aromatic precursors that characterize the Vermentino di Gallura.
The production area located in the north-eastern part of Sardinia extends almost entirely across the old OlbiaTempo province, with an appendage in the nearby province of Sassari. The area close the sea, is characterized by smooth granite rocks shaped by wind and water, and surrounded by a thick and characteristic Mediterranean scrub. The inner part is instead marked by oak trees, cork and olive groves, almost as if protecting the ancient buildings.
The subsoil is mainly composed of granite rock, covered with variable thicknesses of coarse-grained sand, sometimes mixed with clay and thin layers of micro-elements supporting the vegetation growth. These sandy soils, are generally more suitable for viticulture and provide fragrant, pleasant and heady wines.. Combined with unique climatic and environmental factors, sun and constant wind, Gallura is one of the most suitable Italian areas for viticulture, in particular for cultivating the Vermentino grape, which is found both at sea level as well as the mountain slopes, up to 500 meters above sea level.
The climate is warm and temperate, and characterized by mild winters. Rain fall is mostly concentrated in autumn and winter, during the dormancy period of the vine, with some light rainfall in spring when the plants start to awake, and in any case less than 700 mm per year. Constant breezes characterize the Gallura area. They ensure the grape’s healthy growth especially in the coastal areas as the wind in these areas is particularly salty.
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, already DOC since 1976, gained the DOCG appellation in 1996. The origin of the vermentino grape presumed to be Spanish, and it was likely to have been introduced to Sardinia between the 15th and 18th centuries. This was reported by 20th century scholars who were ai priori advocates of an extra-island derivation. Findings of organic material in some wine containers, and other traces in some askoid jugs, found in various archaeological areas of Gallura, have highlighted the existence of a flourishing wine-making activity in the Nuragic period, in particular in the Middle and Recent Bronze Age (1400-1200 BC). The Vermentino grape was first mentioned by the historian Vittorio Angius in Gallura. it was originally cultivated as a table grape, as is remembered by the agronomist Count of Rovasenda (1877).
Vermentino di Gallura wine styles
The younger type has a light straw yellow color, the nose shows a delicate floral and slightly almond notes. Mineral and slightly acidic this type is suitable for an aperitif or a light lunch.
Vermentino di Gallura Superiore
This type is usually aged on the lees for at least 9 months after the harvest, in some cases in medium to large wooden barrels or barriques. The color is golden with a clear and clean aroma provided by rich mineral compounds. Floral notes, ripe white-fleshed fruits alongside the typical almondy finish, in this case more subdued, always make it recognizable.
Vermentino di Gallura D.O.C.G. can also be Sparkling, Late Harvest and Passito.
From wherever you come from, you always know when you are finally in Gallura.
You can see at first glance the gentle and powerful rocky elements, a relaxing but pulsating landscape, where the whipping wind and water have shaped and modified everything that hinders their passage over time: granite, trees, sandy soils that support the vineyards and the centuries-old oaks trees like a warm cradle. The disintegration of the granite rock gives rise to the sandy parts of the soil and its feldspar, rich in sodium, calcium, potassium, quartz, and mica crystals, give a typical mineral flavour to the Vermentino from Gallura.
Light gives life…
In this area, as throughout the whole of Sardinia everything is enveloped by a vivid light, which assures well-being and has a positive effect on the bright bunches, and it turns them golden as they ripen between August and September. If light had a taste it would be that of Vermentino di Gallura! The long days of sunlight activate vigorous photosynthesis to the vines, and the general thermal conditions guarantees that the phenological phases are completed quickly but intensely.
The wind is almost always present in Gallura, and it makes the landscapes crisp, clear and defined. Breathing this wind gives a deep sensation of freedom and a clean environment. The wind is also essential for the health of the vines which constantly dries them of the nightly humidity, and they can grown organically, under integrated cultivation systems. Moreover the microclimate, with a considerable temperature swing between day and night, allows the development of the aromatic precursors that characterize the Vermentino di Gallura.
“Borgo DiVino” in Porto Rotondo, a great success to Vermentino di Gallura event OLBIA. An entire town dedicated to Vermentino di Gallura, thanks to the
Decanter praises Vermentino di Gallura The prestigious sector magazine reviews Gallura wines: «fresh and elegant». Two pages entirely devoted to Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, praising
Consorzio Vermentino di Gallura project: “we protect the uniqueness of our wine”. Trust in the future and collaboration among the wineries. This is the future
The skilful hands of Chef Giuseppe Barracu with the support of Rossella, from Il
Mattacchione” (Estro in Cucina) gourmet restaurant in Olbia, created food parings with different Gallurian Vermentino wines.
