Siddùra Spèra ~ Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2019 ~ Sardinia, Italy

Despite the price point, I think this award winning wine is phenomenal and presents itself as such a great talking point. It’s not everyday you get to enjoy a refreshing European white wine from Sardinia! Bursting with floral notes of honesuckle, golden apples and citrus (particularly grapefruit), this wine delighted my senses. Despite being medium bodied and having a 14% abv, the Vermentino does its job by providing plenty of refreshing acidity on the palate and a lengthy finish.

Not knowing much about Vermentino, I decided to do my research. Also called Rolle in France, it is used in several Provençal rosé blends and also grows in Liguria, Italy. Vermentino retains its acidity when growing close to the sea, as it benefits from the cooling breezes. Flavours and aromas vary, depending upon the growing conditions. Citrus notes tend to dominate in cooler regions, while golden apple and mango notes are more characteristic from warmer regions.

This particular wine was fermented at low temperatures (12-13 °C) in stainless steel tanks to further retain freshness and acidity.   Additionally, the wine was matured on the lees to impart additional complexities. This is truly an elegant wine, which is clearly reflective of the incredible terroir of the Vermentino di Gallura DOCG region.