Stelo Italian Wine

This Malvasia sub-variety came to Italy from Spain, by way of Corsica, during the late 14th century. It most likely arrived in Liguria before spreading south to Sardinia. It is a problematic variety: when it is good it is refreshing and flavourful. The variety tends to show at its best when grown in seaside zones, where it makes wines intended for early drinking. The ideal Vermentino is pale gold with pea-green highlights. On the refreshing, mildly aromatic nose, one often finds notes of wild herbs, which a friend once described as ‚ia haunting touch of marijuana.‚i On the palate, there is a lightly saline element as well as very slight peachy tones. There is often a bracing lemon sorbet-like acidity on the bitter-sweet finish. The slightly grainy texture of Vermentino reminds me of that found in Chenin Blanc. Liguria: Ligurian viticulture is characterized by terraces carved from the cliffs that descend vertiginously toward the sea. Here, Vermentino is a component in a number of elegant and aromatic dry whites, including those from the Cinque Terre, Colli di Luni, Riviera Ligure di Ponente, Golfo del Tigullio and Colline di Levanto zones. It is also a component in Cinque Terre Schiacchetr¡. This wine is made from semi-dried grapes, has a minimum alcohol level of 17°, and must be aged for at least for one year before being released on the market. It varies from lightly to fully sweet in style. A fortified version is also produced. Sardinia: Vermentino arrived in Sardinia at the end of the 19th century, and seems to have found its ideal habitat in the Gallura zone on the northern part of the island. The granite-based soil found in this area gives local Vermentino a decidedly steely, attractively bitter note. The DOCG production zone includes the entire province of Sassari and part of the province of Nuoro. Vermentino di Gallura, an aromatic dry wine, is made from a minimum of 95% Vermentino and has a minimum alcohol level of 12°. With 13° alcohol, it can be labelled superiore. The Vermentino di Sardegna production zone includes the entire island. Within this denomination are dry, sweet and sparkling wines composed of at least 85% Vermentino. These wines usually have a minimum alcohol level of 12°. When they have a minimum alcohol level of 14°, they may be labelled superiore. The Alghero DOC makes a semi-sparkling Vermentino in both dry and sweet versions. Tuscany: In Tuscany, Vermentino is in the blends of a number of dry whites, including those of Bolgheri, Val di Cornai, Candia dei Colli Apuani, Montescudaio and Montergio di Massaa Marittima.