An Italian Vermentino: A Perfect Match for Holiday Seafood

La Bettigna 2014 Colli di Luni Vermentino

It's Christmas Eve and we are preparing to have seafood for dinner. Mary is preparing mussels in a white sauce, linguine and clams with an entree of salmon and filet. When we sit down to dinner, we want a pleasant but lively wine to accompany our Xmas Eve repast. 

Vermentino (originally a Spanish grape) is a perfect match for seafood. The grape is grown in the Ligura region of Italy as well as in Sardinia, Tuscany and other places. It is DOC since 1988.  Liguria is near Genoa and by the sea. Because of the geography, there aren't a lot of large producers. But the Vermentinos from this area are of excellent quality.  

The Vermentino I've chosen is the La Bettigna 2014 Colli di Luni Vermentino. It is biodynamically grown, made in stainless steel with indigenous yeast. It is not refined or filtered. 

What I like about this wine is how it combines a citrus acidity and a strong minerality. It even has a kind of briny sense reminiscent of the sea. The nose is herbal and pleasing. It is a serious wine with medium body and seems very versatile. We had it with chicken the other night and it paired perfectly. Mary and I both agreed that it would be a perfect summer wine to cool things off. We will have to give it a shot next summer.  

For now, we will see how it matches up with the Xmas Eve fish dinner. I'm thinking it will be just fine. 

You can pick up a bottle for a little over $20.00. 

Here is a look at the Liguria region of DOC wines: 

  

La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna 2008: A Sardinian Delight

Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna is made from 100% vermentino grapes from the island of Sardinia.  It has a pleasing yellow color with a nice bouquet of floral notes and apples.  There is a balanced acidity and an elegance to this wine that makes it very pleasing to drink.  The finish is long but not dominating.  It's refreshing and uplifting.  On first taste I found a slight bitter tang to it.  As the wine opened up the acidity and apple flavors balanced out and showed very well.  I don't think you can go wrong with this 2008, it is a wine of character.  You can serve it with seafood, salads, even grilled vegetables.  Because it is nicely balanced with gentle acidity, I would try it with white meat, as well.

La Cala is produced at the Sella & Mosca winery in the northwest side of the island of Sardinia near the port of Alghero.  It is one of the largest wine estates in Europe.  The winery is run by Mario Consorte and is considered "A model of contemporary viniculure" by Hugh Johnson.

La Cala is not expensive and certainly worth the price of around $14.00.

I'm looking forward to having this wine during a long, hot summer afternoon.