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Vermentino: Sub-regions and wine types within the island
We examine Sardinia's white grape varieties, considering the geographic range of each region and their wine styles. Even with the same variety, variables for comparison change depending on where on the island it is grown and whether the wine is still, sparkling, or made from dried grapes.
Questions for this course
What can be inferred from the indication of Gallura and Sardinia?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
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Update date: 2026-09-23
The whole island and Gallura
Vermentino is cultivated throughout Sardinia. In Gallura, the soils are known for being weathered granite, but not all vineyards on the island share the same environment. Vermentino di Gallura is an appellation restricted to the Gallura area, while Vermentino di Sardegna covers the whole region. The place names following the variety show how specifically the origin of the grapes is defined.
95% and above, and 85% and above
According to the agricultural institute Laore, Gallura uses over 95% Vermentino, and Sardinia over 85%. These figures are minimum percentages and do not represent the exact composition of each wine. Both have the potential to be made from 100%. When comparing the blends of these two wines, first read the requirements of the appellation, then check the actual ratios used by each producer.
Production style beyond basic still white wine
Vermentino is not limited to still white wines. Vermentino di Sardegna has both Frizzante and Spumante styles, and in Gallura, in addition to sparkling, there are also late harvest and dried grape types. Even when comparing wines with the same variety, it is necessary to check the type of wine as well. If there are differences in sparkling/non-sparkling or grape handling, comparing only soils is not enough.
What to align and what to compare.
Regions
- Conditions to standardize
- Varieties of the same island
- Conditions for comparison.
- Gallura and the whole region
- Additional points to confirm
- Appellation and vineyard location
Blending
- Conditions to standardize
- Vermentino-based
- Conditions for comparison.
- Minimum percentage vs. actual percentage
- Additional points to confirm
- 100% or a blend?
Winemaking
- Conditions to standardize
- Same white grape
- Conditions for comparison.
- Still, sparkling, late harvest, dried grapes
- Additional points to confirm
- Also check labelling of type
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Reading materials for Vermentino: Island sub-regions and wine types
From fictional label and blend data, read the changing conditions besides differences in terroir.
This is a hypothetical example for learning. Not the actual specifications of any product.
| Item | A | B |
|---|---|---|
| Labeling | Vermentino di Gallura DOCG | Vermentino di Sardegna DOC Spumante |
| Blending | Vermentino 100% | Vermentino 100% |
| Types | Still | Sparkling |
| Detailed vineyard location | Not recorded | Not recorded |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What are the actual blends for both wines?
The table specifies that both blends are 100%. The minimum proportion required by the appellation does not override this record. Separating the legal minimum from the producer’s choice is the starting point of this comparison.
What conditions change besides the region?
A is non-sparkling, B is a sparkling wine labeled Spumante. Although the varietal proportions are the same, winemaking conditions differ. You cannot explain the differences in taste simply by referring to differences of terroir between Gallura and other regions.
Is B’s vineyard always outside Gallura?
The production area for Vermentino di Sardegna covers the entire region. The designation of such a broad area alone does not determine whether the fruit comes from inside or outside Gallura. The two place names are not treated as mutually exclusive zones, so you should check producers' vineyard information.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
From fictional label and blend data, read the changing conditions besides differences in terroir.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Vermentino di Gallura | Vermentino di Sardegna |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Gallura | Entire region of Sardinia |
| Minimum proportion of grape variety. | 95% | 85% |
| Reference material for one particular bottle | Vineyard, actual blend, type | Vineyard, actual blend, type |
This is an organized study tool based on the designated articles for this course. You can check specific facts and sources in each article.
Explain in your own words
List the conditions that are the same and those that are different between A and B, and explain why the differences in the results cannot be attributed solely to regional differences.
Check after writing
- Did you read the actual varietal percentages?
- Was a distinction made between still and sparkling?
- Have you assumed vineyard location based on a broad appellation?
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