The colour is medium copper. On the nose dry apricots, orange peels, nuts. In the mouth very dry and tasty. The aftertaste last for a long while.
Vernaccia di Oristano is a sherry-like fortified wine from Sardinia. In August 1971, it became Sardinia’s very first wine to be granted an official DOC.
Vernaccia, like Muscat, Malvasia and Clairette, is a name applied to several distinct grape varieties, rather than identifying a single one definitively. The reason for this is simply that the name derives from the Latin word for “domestic”or “native”. In fact it is directly related to the word “vernacular”, meaning the language of a particular place or people.
To make Vernaccia di Oristano the grapes are harvested and pressed in the standard way, then oxidatively matured in barrels for three or four years under a naturally-developing film of flor yeast. The barrels are not filled to the brim, allowing the flor to develop over the wine, controlling the rate of oxidation to a certain extent. This ageing provides a musty, nutty aroma.
I bought this bottle when I visited Contini winery in Oristano a couple of years ago. I don’t remember how much I paid. More recent vintages sell on the internet for some 20 EUR.
Country: Italy
Region: Sardinia
Grapes: Vernaccia di Oristano
Type: White
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Contini
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5