WineGuessrWhite grape variety
Vermentino
Also called Rolle, Pigato, Favorita, Vermentinu
Vermentino is a white grape of the western Mediterranean, known for fresh, aromatic wines with citrus, herb and saline notes. It is the grape of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG in Sardinia and of Corsican whites such as Patrimonio. In Provence and Languedoc it is called Rolle.
| Color | White (green-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy (per the Vitis International Variety Catalogue); identical by DNA to Pigato and Favorita |
| Body | Light to medium |
| Acidity | Medium to high |
| Typical aromas | lemon, lime, grapefruit, green apple, almond, Mediterranean herbs, saline |
| Key regions | Sardinia (Italy), Liguria (Italy), Tuscany (Italy), Corsica (France), Provence (France), Languedoc-Roussillon (France) |
Origin and history
The Vitis International Variety Catalogue gives Italy as Vermentino's country of origin, though its early history around the western Mediterranean is debated. DNA typing has shown that Vermentino is identical to Pigato in Liguria and Favorita in Piedmont. In Provence and Languedoc it is known as Rolle, and in Corsica as Vermentinu. In the Gallura area of northern Sardinia it has been grown since the 14th century, often under the local name Arratelau. Vines are traditionally planted on sea-facing slopes, where reflected light helps ripening.
Where it grows
Sardinia is its most important home, and Vermentino di Gallura in the northeast of the island is its top designation, a DOCG. In Liguria it makes Cinque Terre whites and wines from Colli di Luni and the Riviera Ligure di Ponente, and it is grown along the Tuscany coast. In Corsica, white Patrimonio is 100% Vermentino and Ajaccio uses it too. As Rolle it is planted in Provence, including Bellet near Nice, and in increasing amounts in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Taste, wine styles and food
Vermentino makes crisp, light to medium-bodied white wine with citrus, green apple and almond notes, often with a herbal and slightly salty edge that reflects its coastal vineyards. Most examples are unoaked and drunk young, though richer, riper versions from Gallura's granite soils have more body and can take a few years in bottle. Vermentino is a natural partner for Mediterranean seafood: grilled fish, shellfish, fritto misto, and pasta with pesto, the Ligurian classic.
Wines made with Vermentino (4)
WineGuessr lists 4 wines made with Vermentino, from 2 countries. Most come from France (2).
Vermentino: questions and answers
Is Rolle the same as Vermentino?
Rolle is the name used for Vermentino in Provence and Languedoc, and the two are treated as the same grape on labels.
Is Pigato the same grape as Vermentino?
Yes. DNA typing has shown that Liguria's Pigato and Piedmont's Favorita are identical to Vermentino.
What grape is Patrimonio white made from?
White Patrimonio, from Corsica, is made entirely from Vermentino.
Where is the best Vermentino from?
Sardinia's Vermentino di Gallura DOCG is the best-known designation, with Liguria, coastal Tuscany and Corsica also highly regarded.
Other white grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.