Vermentino di Gallura takes its name from that of an extensive region in the wind-swept northeast corner of the island, today a part of the province of Sassari. The wine growing area extends for just under 2,000ha from the rugged uplands down to the coast. The predominant soil type is the loose, well-drained sand which Vermentino prefers, with – and this is the element which makes it almost unique amongst wine producing regions of the world – a ubiquitous granite bedrock. The feature of the climate, besides the wind, is the often extreme day-night temperature variations conducive to the slow ripening which gives the wines their distinctive varietal aromas.
Vermentino di Gallura is Sardegna’s only DOCG, the top category in the Italian system of classification. The denomination encompasses an ageworthy ‘Superiore’, and a ‘Vendemmia Tardiva’ with all the depth and concentration of late harvesting, as well as a surprising sparkling version and a dried-grape ‘Passito’. Generally unoaked, but not necessarily, since Gallura was a pioneer of barrique ageing for Vermentino, the wines stand out across the range for freshness and elegance.
Vermentino di Gallura Wines
Animas, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2019
This new estate, founded in 2018, has vines in the hills at Olbia in the northeast of the DOCG. Its Superiore has an intriguingly personal nose of mulberry and baked pear, and a full-bodied palate with ripe fruit and notes of fennel and almonds on the finish.
Cantina del Vermentino, Funtanaliras Oro, Vermentino di Gallura 2020
With its 300 members and 600ha of vineyard, this cooperative is the largest producer in the DOCG, with a wide and diversified range. Funtanaliras has youthful lime and Golden Delicious aromas, and a soft, round drink-me palate with a hint of salted almonds on the finish.
Capichera, Vign’Angena, Vermentino di Gallura 2020
The pioneering estate of the Ragnedda family makes benchmark Vermentino with distinctive terroir character. The 2020 vintage of the Vign’Angera has refined white fruit aromas and a fresh, juicy progression on a palate of great elegance.
Jankara, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2019
Husband and wife Renato and Angela Spanu run this estate with the input of consultant winemaker Gianni Menotti. Their 2019 Superiore has impeccable varietal aromas of citrus and aromatic herbs, and a palate with rewarding depth of fruit and intensity.
La Contralta, Fiore del Sasso, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2019
Oenologist Roberto Gariup from Friuli runs this new estate on sustainable viticulture lines. The debut vintage of his Vermentino has a fresh green apple and citrus character with good progression on the palate and a complex aromatic finish.
Li Duni, Nozzinà, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2019
This estate at Badesi makes a range of Vermentinos, including this late-harvest ‘amabile’ sourced from ungrafted gobelet vines. The nose has honey and hazelnut, the palate fleshy fruit sustained by bright acidity and a satisfying bitter-sweet twist.
Mancini, Adelasia Spumante Brut, Vermentino di Gallura NV
In addition to a full range of still wines, the Mancini winery from Olbia specialises in spumanti in various styles. This charmat method, 100% Vermentino has a delicate and very pleasing aromatic quality, with fresh acidity, a creamy texture and a dry finish.
Masone Manu, Petrizza, Vermentino di Gallura 2020
New owner Giordano Emandatori is introducing organic-biodynamic viticulture at this 30ha estate at Monti. The latest release of Petrizza has a fresh and inviting floral nose and a fluid palate with great natural fruit expression and complexity.
Murales, Miradas, Vermentino di Gallura 2019
Alongside its wine tourism offering, Murales produces a range of reds and whites from low-yielding, high density vineyards at Olbia. Miradas combines delicate floral aromas with ripe, concentrated fruit flavours and the hallmark savoury finish of the variety.
Sella & Mosca, Monteoro, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2020
Sella & Mosca owns vineyards in both Gallura and DOC zones in the north of the island. This selection from the Gallura DOCG has intense tropical fruits on the nose, with both volume and freshness on the palate accompanied by a long, complex, aromatic finish.
Siddurà, Beru Limited Edition, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2016
Siddurà is a modern estate with an international perspective. Its Beru, aged in barrique and held back for five years before release, has evolved tertiary aromas and a palate of great depth and purity of fruit, with classic mineral undertones.
Tanca Raina, Menica Vermentino di Gallura 2019
Tanca Raina is the 9ha estate of the Cau family, located at Monti. Menica is a classic of the winery, which in the 2019 vintage has chamomile and mineral aromas, and a palate of great energy and length with a hint of white pepper in the finish.
Tani, Taerra, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2020
Tani is located at Monti in the heart of Gallura. Taerra is sourced from low-yielding old vines planted at 350m above sea level. Heather and acacia aromas prelude a fresh, citrussy palate with tangy, mineral intensity.
Tenute Olbios, Lupus in Fabula, Vermentino di Gallura Superiore 2019
Olbios is a third-generation family-run estate at Olbia. Its Superiore has dried fruit and mint on the nose, with a slightly biscuity nuance which comes from extended ageing on the lees. The palate is big but balanced with a dynamic progression and elegant finish.
Vigneti Zanatta, Renadoro, Vermentino di Gallura 2020
This family-owned estate founded by oenologist Bruno Zanatta counts 120ha on the classic sandy soils on Gallura’s granite. The Renadoro offers a very attractive hawthorn and elderflower nose with tasty salted lemon and marzipan flavours on the palate.
