Who makes it?

Biancosmeraldo is made by the family Sini in the Berchidda area of the island of Sardegna. The family planted their vineyard in 1949 and in 2000 the family regenerated it by replanting it. This Biancosmeraldo is 100% Vermentino di Gallura. There are two rather interesting companion wines also:  Rossosmeraldo & a Passitosmeraldo. 

The red blend, Rossosmeraldo is a rich and very eclectic blend of Carignan, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Muristellu and Sangiovese Grosso. Muristellu may be another name for Graciano. Winelovers may know Sangiovese Grosso as the Brunello clone of Sangiovese.  

The Passitosmeraldo is not a Vermentino di Gallura Passito. It is a luscious blend of 80% Muscat with the remainder as Vermentino. Like all passito wines, the grapes are dried in the sun before they go to be pressed. This concentrates the sugars within and leaves a wine that is sweet and rich.  

However, Biancosmeraldo is pure Vermentino. Pure Vermentino grown in the mountains of Gallura.

For more information please read: Why you should be drinking Vermentino di Gallura! 

How do they make it?

The DOCG regulations specify that the wines are made by low yield grown grapes. And as a ‘superiore’ level wine it has a maximum of 9 ton per hectare. Therefore expect this wine to be concentrated and fuller in body. It has been cool fermented to maintain the fruit purity. 

After fermentation, it has spent some months on lees to gain texture and extra complexity.

If you like Vermentino why not read: The veritable story of Viognier, Vermentino & Verduzzo

What does it taste like?

This Vermentino di Gallura was particularly fragrant. It was also particularly spicy after that lees contact.  Fresh floral notes and spice was nowhere near the end of this Vermentino story. In came the lemon, minerality and dried herbs. This was intensely aromatic. It was a fuller bodied and richer style of Vermentino but the balance is impeccable. The finish is long and fruity with highlights of dried sage to lift it. 

This is a bigger style of Vermentino yet it is still undeniably elegant.

What to drink it with?

Seafood is a natural choice here including shellfish. Plus of course, Culurgiones, a Sardegna speciality filled with cheese. Fried or not, that is your choice. Also flavourful vegetables, soup or grilled will be a great match.

Cheese

Enjoy with Pecorino, Manchego or fresh cheese such as ricotta and feta. Even better look for the cheese from Sardegna, Bianco di Thiesi as it is less salty.

Quickie review « Complex and very textural version of this speciality from Sardegna. »

Country of Origin: Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG, Italy
Tasting Date: May 2023
Price:  UK £23 | €21 |USD$ 33++ 
Drink: now – 3+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Vermentino wines, why not check out:
Why you should be drinking Vermentino di Gallura! 

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