Posted By Joel on June 7, 2011

Santadi Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna 2009

A piece of consumer “wisdom” recently offered to me - a suggestion that Italy’s cooperatives produce wines of inferior quality - I find to be rather démodé bullshit.

Once upon a time…perhaps. But, as Bob Dylan once wrote, “The times, they are-a changin’.

In fact, I continue to be impressed by the quality standard set by certain of Italy’s co-op producers, finding their wines at times superior to many single estate bottlings. One recent and delicious surprise I totally enjoyed is Santadi Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna.

A producer co-op on the island of Sardegna founded during the ‘60’s, Cantina Santadi sources their Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna from vineyards in five municipalities of the lower Sulcis district located on the southwestern coast of the island.

A blend of Vermentino and Nuragus, the wine is produced from hand-picked grapes grown in a medium mix volcanic soil with clay and sand. Fermented in stainless steel and left in contact with the lees for several months before bottling.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

Stunningly fresh aromas of pear, apple, cantaloupe and orange blossom transfer well to a sensuously round and delicately viscous palate that is set alive by piquant impressions of sea salt and crisp minerality. Simply delicious.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

You will not be disappointed when pairing this wine with fish, white meat, or alone as an aperitivo. As a first choice, let the wine’s luscious palate flatter the rich flesh of fish like tuna, sword fish, or blue fish, its saline notes providing good, balancing counterpoint.

Vegetarians might consider serving this wine with an entrée salad of couscous or quinoa flecked with sliced cashew and almond, mango, papaya, minced shallots and tempeh dressed with a favorite vinaigrette.

$

Categories: $ (Under $25), Sardegna
Tags: Vermentino