From: Sardegna, Italy
Varietal: Vermentino
Taste: Its nose is quite expressive - an enchanting cocktail of sweet exotic fruits, fresh notes of magnolia, sambuca, and almonds, all wrapped up in a saline undertone that evokes images of the breezy Sardinian coastline. Upon tasting, this Vermentino's power is indisputable, as it fills the mouth with a complete and intense sensation punctuated by delightful acidity and minerality. Its persistence is impressive, leaving a characteristic almond finish on the palate.
Pairing: Apart from being an ideal aperitif, this Vermentino is a perfect match for seafood, from grilled shrimp and sea bass to hearty fish soups and oven-baked grouper. It also pairs excellently with an array of cheeses, finger foods, pastas and empanadas/pierogi/dumplings (check out the recipe below!).
Crab Rangoon
Recipe from Eric Ehler
Adapted by Cathy Erway

About. Tucked away in the charming region of Sorso, Sardinia, lies the 85-acre property, Nuraghe Crabioni. Named after the nuraghe - a conical tower symbolic of ancient Sardinian culture - found on its estate, Nuraghe Crabioni holds a deep respect for its Sardinian roots. The vineyard's mission seamlessly marries tradition with modernity, blending time-honored viticulture practices with contemporary winemaking techniques. The resulting wines from this estate exude an unmistakeably Sardinian character. Among its notable offerings is the Nuraghe Crabioni Vermentino di Sardegna 2020, a unique expression of the island's heritage and topography.
The Vineyard's Legacy
Nuraghe Crabioni came into existence in 2003, a relatively young winery on the historic island of Sardinia. Named after the "Lu Crabioni" nuraghe, a cone-shaped ancient tower that stands as a distinctive island symbol, the vineyard is a living embodiment of Sardinian culture and history. The estate is situated in the municipality of Sorso, known for its rich viticultural heritage.
Sardinia's Wine History and Vermentino's Role
Sardinia's wine history is layered and complex, shaped by the myriad of cultures that have claimed the island over centuries. From the Phoenicians to Ancient Rome, the Byzantines, Arabs, and Catalans, Sardinia has been a Mediterranean vine-growing paradise for millennia. These inhabitants brought precious vines from their homelands, shaping Sardinia's modern-day indigenous grape varieties.
Vermentino, a prolific Mediterranean variety, is Sardinia's star white. Not limited to Sardinia, Vermentino also thrives in the Languedoc region of France and Italy's western and coastal areas, such as Liguria (where it is known as Pigato), Piedmont (where it is called Favorita), and Tuscany (where it takes the name Vermentino). The finest Vermentino is found in Sardinia's northeastern region of Gallura, where the vines take root in granitic soils, producing highly aromatic, complete, and concentrated whites of unparalleled balance.
The Nuraghe Crabioni Vermentino di Sardegna 2020 is a testament to the varietal's potential in this Mediterranean paradise. It marries the extensive viticultural knowledge of Sardinia with modern winemaking techniques, crafting a wine that speaks of its place of origin with honesty and sophistication.
Vermentino Around the World
Vermentino's influence stretches far beyond the island of Sardinia. This white grape variety flourishes in various locations around the western Mediterranean, including northwestern Italy, southern France, and the neighboring islands of Corsica and Sardinia, each time expressing the unique terroir of its growing region.
However, Vermentino is known by several names, stirring some disagreement over which are synonyms of Vermentino and which are distinct varieties. Whatever the truth, Vermentino wines share similar refreshing acidity and attractive aromas of peach, lemon peel, dried herbs, and a trace of saline minerality.
Although Vermentino wines are being made in the United States, mainly in California, they have yet to gain the popularity enjoyed by Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. This has, however, played a significant role in Vermentino's growing popularity in Australia, where several wineries have introduced the variety as a refreshing alternative.
Vermentino di Sardegna Wine
The Nuraghe Crabioni Vermentino di Sardegna 2020 hails from the wine DOC of Vermentino di Sardegna, introduced in 1988 following consistent quality improvements in Sardinian Vermentino wines. The vineyards spread across various soil types, from limestone and marl pockets to sun-drenched slopes blessed with a typical Mediterranean climate.
Vermentino's arrival in Sardinia could be clearer, but its influence on the island's viticulture is undeniable. Today, it serves as a keystone in Sardinian winemaking, and wines like Nuraghe Crabioni Vermentino di Sardegna 2020 are a clear testament to Vermentino's worth in the world of wine. No matter where it is grown, under any name, this variety showcases the ability to reflect its terroir impressively. And at Nuraghe Crabioni, it does so by telling the story of Sardinia.
