Vermentino Unveiled
Lemon, sea spray and so much more..
It’s no secret that I am obsessed with Vermentino. To me, it’s like that friend who’s up for anything - beach day, oysters poolside, fancy dinner.. whatever you feel like, they’re into it! In a nutshell, Vermentino is all about lemon and sea spray. But as winemaker, the thing that I really love about it is that it can morph into so many different styles depending on what you do with it, and that’s what makes it so exciting!
Here are the main styles of Vermentino for you to start exploring.
Crisp and Fresh Vermentino
The Vibe: Fish and chips on the beach with sand in your hair
The Taste: Lemon, lime, sea spray, zesty, dry and moreish
Home Turf: Sardinia and Corsica or Riverland in South Australia
Feeling Hungry: Loves a light salad or some grilled shrimp
Perfect For: When you feel like even more sunshine in your step
If that sounds like you, try this one:
Octopus 2020 Vermentino Riverland
Complex, Textured and Floral Vermentino
The Vibe: The thoughtful, mysterious type in the corner
The Taste: Lemon, brine, savoury, floral, textural and pickled ginger
Home Turf: Regions that infuse a bit of floral magic whilst keeping their feet on the ground. Try Liguria or McLaren Vale
Feeling Hungry: It's all about the subtle savoury flavours and intriguing mouthfeel – think garden herbed fish or a Thai green curry
Perfect For: Those quiet evenings or small gatherings where you actually want to hear each other.
Or maybe this one:
Farfalla 2021 Vermentino McLaren Vale
Aged or Oak-Influenced Vermentino
The Vibe: This one's got the stories that you want to tell
The Taste: Grapefruit, creaminess, gentle oak, rich mouthfeel and opulent
Home Turf: Comes from spots that know a thing or two about aging gracefully. Think Tuscany, Adelaide Hills or Alpine Valleys
Feeling Hungry: Bring on the fancy stuff – truffle risotto or many many dozen super creamy oysters
Perfect For: When you haven’t danced for ages and need to bring the moves on fast
If this makes your mouth water, give this one a go!
Farfalla 2019 Vermentino Alpine Valleys
PS. For the wine nerds…
Terroir’s Influence: Vermentino is like a chameleon - it changes depending on where it’s grown. Coastal breezes? You get zesty and briny notes. Rocky inland? Expect more minerality and depth.
Winemaking Techniques: Not all Vermentinos are created equal. Some winemakers like to get playful – skin contact here, a bit of lees aging there. It’s a grape that’s not afraid to experiment or be experimented on.
Happy drinking! Xxx
Nikki Palun
Owner & Winemaker of Susuro & Octtava Wines
