Cantina di Gallura, Vermentino di Gallura “Canayli”

The Vermentino varietal can be found under fairly intensive cultivation in nearly all the Mediterranean coastal districts from Spain to Liguria and on the two major islands of Corsica and Sardinia. It is also grown in small areas on the island of Madeira and at some places in southern France. Vermentino is clearly Spanish in origin. It traveled from Spain to Corsica in the 14th century and from there went on to Liguria. Its appearance on Sardinia was fairly recent, the final decades of the last century, and it was first planted in the Gallura at the island's northernmost tip. Although it is now found throughout Sardinia, Vermentino expresses itself best in the Gallura, an area incessantly swept by the salty Mediterranean air.

The quality of the wine is due not only to the microclimatic conditions but also to the character of the terrain, which features a thin and poor substratum of granitic material. That material accounts for the wine's pronounced odor, which is balanced by a substantial alcohol level, fine fragrance and good body.

Region: Sardegna
Production Area: Valley of San Leonardo, townships of Luras and Calangianus, in the province of Olbia-Tempio.
Appellation: Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG
Varietal Blend: 100% Vermentino
Vineyard: Mostly at 1000 feet above sea level on a western and south western exposure.
Planting System: Guyot.
Soil: Granite soils of limited depth, rich in skeleton consisting of loose coarse granite rocks and sand. Acidic, poor in nutrients, very good drainage.
Harvest: End of September.
Yield: About 2.8 tons per acre
Alcohol: 13.%
Vinification: The slightly overripe grapes are softly pressed and fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks.
Aging:  Not more than a couple of months in stainless steel tanks before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Bright straw yellow color with green reflections. Intense and long aromas of white fruit and pineapple on the nose. Clean and fresh on the palate with a slightly bitter finish.

Food Pairings: The ultimate wine for fish entrees, shellfish and crustaceans