It turns out white wine isn't just Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc! Vermentino, originally from Italy, is a lighter-bodied, white wine similar to Sauvignon Blanc. I like it for the bright, crisp acidity and herbal, spicy flavors. Descriptors used are lime, green apple, grapefruit, and minerality.
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| A highly-rated Calif Vermentino |
It's great all by itself, especially as a summer sipper. It pairs well with lighter meat dishes and seafood. Fish or chicken tacos, pork sausages or chops, salmon, sea bass, crab cakes, and similar foods. It'll stand up to a green salad (not many wines can do that).
You'll find Vermentino from Italy, Sicily, and several other counties. There's not much planted in California, but I've found a few in Sonoma and Amador Counties. You'll also find it in San Luis Obispo, Lodi, and a few other spots.
In Sonoma County, Vermentino vineyards seem to be primarily in Dry Creek Valley. It can be difficult finding a California Vermentino in the store, as the wineries that make it don't usually make very much, so you may have to order directly from the winery.
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