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2016 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino
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Wine Details for 2016 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino
| Type of Wine |
Italy (Other)
: There are dozens of grape varietals grown in Italy so no wonder they produce such a broad range of most exquisite wines. Some of the most cultivated red varieties are Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Sangiovese, and Barbera, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also popular. Among whites, you're likely to find Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, or Vernaccia varietals. |
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| Varietal |
Vermentino
: The world of wine is incredibly fascinating, incredibly complex but can also be incredibly confusing. Over the course of its very long history, which dates back to antiquity, grape varietals have become rooted, uprooted and introduced to many different geographical locations and cultures. This often leads to confusion over naming rights as well as the grape’s true place of origin. Nearly every winegrowing location on earth is proud to claim its local varietal and sometimes its champion of economic and cultural growth. This could not be truer for the Vermentino grape, which has ‘originated’ in multiple countries and possesses many different names. The above satire is an attempt to insert a touch humor into a very serious situation where it comes to the true identification of the Vermentino grape. It is named Pigato in Liguria (Italy) Favorita in Piedmont (Italy) Rolle in Provence (France) and is claimed to have originated from Spain, Italy and even possibly, Germany (as it was first officially documented as ‘Fermentino’ and has a loose name connection to the Furmint grape). While nations and vintners argue, scientist have proven the varietals to possess identical DNA and therefore the same exact grape, despite any slight physical differences which may present themselves in different growing locations. The true origin, however, is yet to be determined. The thin-skinned, nearly translucent, grape possess a mesmerizing coloration of greenish-yellow with golden hues and often with small, beautiful lenticels (pore-like structures, resembling freckles). The varietal thrives in warmer climates, due to its tendency to ripen quite late in the growing season. It prefers high elevations and to be bathed in sunlight. It grows on sturdy stocks with vigorous roots that are adaptable to many types of terroir, as witnessed by its many varying growing locations; however, some of the greatest examples hail from Sardinia (where the varietal has become the island’s key white wine grape) where the calcareous soils and salty sea breezes lend to the subtle touches of the final product. These wines are noted as expressing beautiful tree fruit, refreshing acid and chalky mineral notes. This seems to be on par with the typical varietal expression of Vermentino wines which are a pale straw color, light-bodied, uplifting, beautifully refined, and citrusy and most often bone dry. Sweeter varietal examples do present themselves as do both dry and sweet blends, depending on where the grape is cultivated and vinified. Vermentino wines generally have dominant flavors of lime, grapefruit and daffodil. Despite being light-bodied, the wines are actually quite complex to taste. This is because it has higher levels of phenols which contribute to its subtle bitterness on the finish – a taste often described as green almond. Classic Sardinia Vermentino will offer lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime and pink grapefruit, with subtle noes of crushed rocks and citrus zest. On the palate, Vermentino is almost always dry and somewhat oily with flavors of grapefruit and citrus, with a crushed rock minerality and saltiness (salinity). On the finish it can be a bit snappy with bitterness similar to the taste of grapefruit pith or, if it’s on the riper side, fresh almond. In Liguria, Vermentino (Pigato) is the principle variety in white wines from the Colli di Luni growing location. Here the wines’ crisp freshness and minerality echo the cool, bright landscape of the Carrara marble quarries. Just to the west, Vermentino vines are found alongside Bosco and Albarola in the dramatic Cliffside vineyards of the Cinque Terre; in this stunning location the variety is used to make more than just dry wines; air-dried (Passito) Vermentino grapes are a key component in the sweet, nectar-like Cinque Terre Sciacchetra. In Bolgheri, the varietal takes on a different persona, boasting some of Italy’s very richest Vermentino. The Tuscan climate tends to be warmer and sunnier than that of Liguria and in combination with winemaking techniques such as skin contact, lees contact and barrel aging help to add weight and aromatic complexity to the wine which could be easily compared to that of viognier. French styles seem to differ, depending on location. On the island of Corsica, several amazing Vermentino wines are produced which offer high acidity with lean minerality and subtle smokiness. In Provence, Vermentino is called ‘Rolle’ and is the secret ingredient to the region’s top-rated Rose. |
| Country |
Italy
: Italy is renowned as one of the world’s greatest gastronomic havens; from certified Prosciutto di Parma to the sea-side seafood eateries on the island of Sicily. However, this epicurean experience could not possibly be as hedonistic without the ethereal combination of the country’s plethora of fine wines. It seems unfair that a nation should be able to boast, both, some of the world’s greatest cuisine as well as its greatest wines. Italian wine is one of the most sought after in the world, and has become the second most produced in the world, behind only France. Stretching an impressive 736 miles from northern Italy to the peninsula’s southern tip, the country’s geography generates an enormous array of topography, climate and soil structure. This is an extremely important quality of its winegrowing and making industry which lays claim to nearly 550 different grape varietals, which all desire their own necessities, in terms of terroir and climate. The still red wines of Italy truly characterize the nation’s vast and expansive terroir; Nebbiolo dominates Piedmont, where Barolo and Barbaresco reign king and queen of the region’s production. Hailing from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, the rockstar Sangiovese grape has become synonymous with greatness. Vin Santo sweet wines have taken on a mighty feat of competing with the glorious wines of Sauternes, and of course, Prosecco. Prosecco, located in Trieste (northeast Italy) and its creation of luxuriously effervescent styles of wine has become Italy’s answer to Champagne. The Glera grape variety, which has become synonymous with the name Prosecco, is the main ingredient and is beloved in the appellation where the village of Prosecco’s name has become world renowned. The blurred boundary between Italy and the countries of Slovenia and Austria, where German influence still resonates through Friuli wines. The prevalence of Riesling and other such grape varietals is high in this region and have become extremely popular on today’s market. With nearly 702,000 hectares of grapevines covering the massive and diverse landscape, Italy’s annual average of 48.3 million hectoliters of wine production is second only to France in terms of volume and Spain in terms of hectares of vines. The country is vast and overwhelming when it comes to the culinary arts, but perhaps even this is overshadowed by its production of some of the world’s most sought after wines, whether the omnipresent Chianti to the highly collectible and sought after Amarone della Valpolicalla. |
| Region |
S.Italy
: Southern Italy is without question one of the most prolific winemaking regions in the world. As rich in varieties of grapes as it is bewilderingly diverse when it comes to terroir, it doesn't surprise that Italy has few true viticultural rivals. Southern Italy has an impeccable reputation in yielding consistently sumptuous dark red wines and some refreshing, zesty whites (from Greco and Trebbiano grapes), often at more affordable prices than one would find in the Northern parts of the country. The regions of Southern Italy vary between one another in style and types of wines they produce, each showcasing expertise in different areas and providing unique virtues to the table. In Basilicata and Campania, the cooler climate provides excellent support to the thriving Aglianico vineyards, offering dark, aromatic and highly acidic wines that age admirably and hit prime decades after being produced. Sicily and Puglia focus on Nero d'Avola and Primitivo varietals in producing stunningly warm and vibrant red wines that mimic the hot, dry climate they were grown in. Whether you're looking for a signature wine to get you started, or you're looking for lesser known, intriguing offerings unique to Southern Italy, we've got you covered. The luxurious appellations enlisted in our selection will set you off on a journey like no other. |
Overview
| Producer | Argiolas |
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