2010 Salena Estate Ink Series Vermentino

Another variety that is now making waves and gaining momentum in Australia is Vermentino. That interest over the past decade or so has come from winemakers in the warmer regions primarily in the country's south-eastern corner. With average temperatures in inland wine regions predicted to rise 2°C over the next thirty years, emerging varieties suited to these climatic conditions such as Vermentino will become important to the consumer as other varieties struggle to adapt. 

A white grape variety grown extensively along the Mediterranean coast from Languedoc-Roussillon in France to Liguria and Tuscany along Italy's north-west coastline, Vermentino's status is also important on the islands of Sardinia and Corsica. The grape has a considerable number of synonyms among the most noted being Pigato in Liguria, Favorita in Piedmonte, Vermentinu in Corsica and Rolle in eastern Provence making it seemingly the quintessential Mediterranean variety. Commonly thought to have originated on the Iberian Peninsula and brought to Italy in the fifteenth century during a period where Spaniards ruled the waves, this theory has now been fairly well disproved with more credible evidence suggesting it was indigenous to Liguria, perhaps related to the ancient family of Malvasia grapes. The variety possesses large pyramid shaped bunches and when they ripen mid-season, produce big yellow flavourful berries with great natural acid, minimal sugar content and flavours of ripe pear and citrus.     


Salena Estate is a family-owned winery based in South Australia's Riverland Region and a certified organic production processor. The Ink Series of wines are produced to highlight particular varieties and are invariably limited in their availability. The 2010 Vermentino is pale yellow with a green edge in the glass. A lifted lemon and honey bouquet. Medium bodied that is heightened by good acid, peach and citrus fruit flavours. Dandelion floral aromas on the palate which I like very much. There is something rustic and unpretentious about this wine, yet it is mineral driven and its floral subtleties only confirm why I am enjoying the whole Italian dry white wine variety scene right now. Drink this wine while young and with seafood.

Source: Winery Sample. Alcohol: 11.0% Closure: Screwcap. 
Rating: 90+ Points. Website: http://www.salenaestate.com.au/