Vigne Surrau, Vermentino Di Gallura Branu, 2022

"One of Italy's first white DOCGs, Vermentino di Gallura is a very different breed of wine from the Tuscan variant of the grape, with keener acidity and greater geological intensity. This is my go to summer white - not that we've had a much of a summer so far, but I live in hope, and even if the weather won't play ball each sip takes me back to the beautiful tasting room and vineyards overlooking Costa Smerelda."
Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru

The Surrau estate is located in Gallura, a region in North-Eastern Sardinia, a few kilometres from the Mediterranean. The south-eastern exposure of the vines, moderating influence of the sea and granite soils offer a tri factor of favourable vineyard conditions. Once more, the Mistral winds help to ventilate the vines keeping the grapes healthy (at a lower risk of fungal disease) while adding a saline zestiness to the character of their wines.

The Vermentino wines are grown on the best vineyard sites of the Surrau valley to impart structure and vibrant aromatics to the wines. In the winery, the crushed grapes are left on their skins for a brief period of time for gentile flavour and colour extraction before alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel temperature controlled tanks. The process of bâtonnage (the stirring of the wine) over the course of the next few months encourages contact with the fine lees producing biscuity and creamy flavours in the wine. The wine is bottled young to retain the characteristic freshness and minerality of Vermentino.

Branu Vermentino di Gallura has an intense floral and fruity bouquet. The energy persists on the palate with vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavours and a clean minerality. Soft and succulent, this wine is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Vermentino is a great pairing with pesto and other garlicky dishes. Alternatively, pop open a bottle with a plate of antipasti for a taste of the Mediterranean.