Sardinia (Sardegna) is without doubt one of the two largest islands within the Mediterranean Sea, the opposite being Sicily. It has been populated for the reason that Paleolithic interval and has had hundreds of years of occupation by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, these within the Byzantine Empire, Catalans and extra. Consequently, Sardinia boasts a mix of cultures that embody an array of histories, structure, languages and delicacies. And wine.
Starting from easy to complicated, wines from Sardinia are gaining in recognition, as effectively they need to. Reflecting Probably the most well-known selection is Cannonau, a purple grape which will have originated in Spain as a result of it’s similarity to Garnacha, though some research recommend in any other case. Different purple varieties embody Carignano and Giro, a uncommon historic selection planted close to the island’s main metropolis, Cagliari. Main white varieties cultivated in Sardinia embody Vernaccia di Oristano produced on the western coast within the province of Oristano and Vermentino di Gallura DOCG positioned within the northeastern a part of the island.
This month, the Italian Meals, Wine and Journey (ItalianFWT) group, writers who thrive on all-things-Italy, have targeted their analysis on the wines and tradition of each Sardinia and Calabria. Though impressed by each areas, I used to be charmed by the story of Surrau “Branu” Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2021 and a luscious meals pairing, Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti and Clams).
About Vermentino from Sardinia
A phenomenal dry white wine that could possibly be thought-about Italy’s “hidden gem,” must be a winelover’s each evening wine! In line with Karen MacNeil in The Wine Bible, 3rd version, “about 75% of all of the Vermentino grown in Italy is grown in Sardinia, and no different Italian white has a taste that fairly compares.” I agree. The wine displays the island’s arid, Mediterranean local weather and effectively ventilated panorama with herbs reminiscent of lavender, sage, thyme, oregano and rosemary. Vermentino cultivated within the southern a part of the island with its calcareous soils, tends to be wealthy and creamy with citrus and nutty flavors. Vermentino di Gallura is Sardinia’s solely DOCG appellation and encompasses white Vermentino-based wines from an space on the northern a part of the island.
It was a pleasure to style Surrau “Branu” Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2021 ($20) of 100% Vermentino. The Surrau Vineyards are a couple of kilometers from the ocean within the japanese a part of Gallura. The realm is characterised by granite rocks “polished and formed by wind, water and a dense however attribute Mediterranean scrub.” Subsoils are primarily granite however sandy soils are evident. Vineyards have a southeast discover and grapes thrive within the local weather and windswept hilly areas.
“Branu” comes from the Spanish phrase “Verano” that’s blended into the Sardinian language to imply “Spring.” Springtime within the glass this was!
From a winery at 100 meters above sea degree with sandy and weathered granite soils, the wine was contemporary and crisp. On the nostril and palate I discovered citrus, snappy inexperienced apple, juicy white peaches, Mediterranean bramble and herbs, uncooked almonds, white florals, minerality and salty breeze wafting from the ocean – and naturally, zingy acidity. This vegan wine was aged in stainless-steel tanks for 3-4 months and aged within the bottle for 1 month earlier than launch.
Vermentino
Complementing every sip was one of many best recipes I’ve ever made – Spaghetti alle Vongole (Spaghetti with Clams). Creamy and flavorful, the clams had been a briny counterpoint to the feel and taste of the pasta and the tart acidity and freshness of the Vermentino. Different recommendations for pairing embody creamy rooster or fish dishes or all sorts of seafood! For the hyperlink to the recipe, click on right here.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
For extra inspiration concerning Sardinia and/or Calabria, click on the next hyperlinks to my #ItalianFWT colleagues’ articles.
Jennifer from Vino Travels shares Antonella Corda: Mom of the Sardinian Vines
Wendy from A Day within the Life on the Farm reviews about Planning a Journey to France with our Son from Germany whereas Sipping a Wine from Sardegna
Gwendolyn from Wine Predator shares On Italian Island Time: Vermentino and Cannonau di Sardegna with Pecorino and Fish Stew
Camilla from Culinary Cam cooks Mirto di Sardenga-Kissed Braised Ribs
Andrea from The Quirky Cork is Exploring Sardegna by means of Vermentino & Monica
Robin from Crushed Grape Chronicles options Monica and Fregola – a little bit of Sardegna on the desk
Katarina from Grapevine Adventures shares Two Genuine Expressions of Native Grapes from Calabria and Sardinia