Vermentino Isola dei Nuraghi 2024

Saragat Vermentino comes from Sardinia, from the hills and plains surrounding the village of Mogoro, in the Marmilla, south of Oristano. Planted between 80 and 150 metres above sea level facing south-east, the vines take root in deep, loose limestone soils that favour aromatic intensity and freshness. Trained on trellises and as bush vines, they enjoy the intense sun and sea breezes of the west of the island. The cuvée is made by Cantina Atzei, under the Isola dei Nuraghi indication.

The Vermentino grapes, picked ripe, undergo a short skin maceration before pressing. Winemaking is carried out away from oxygen to preserve the fresh aromas of the fruit, with temperature-controlled fermentation using selected yeasts. The wine then rests on its fine lees for forty days in stainless-steel tanks, with regular bâtonnage that gives it texture and volume, before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of rosemary, elderflower, white peach, lychee, green apple, lemon zest, sage and sea spray. The expressive nose moves from Mediterranean herbs towards flowers and white fruit. The palate, supple on the attack, becomes sapid and lively, with fine structure and excellent balance. The persistent finish leaves a slight bitterness, typical of the grape variety.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!