Raìca Vermentino: A Tribute to Sardinia
Cinzia Pelazza and Eugenio Bocchino’s true home is Barolo, where they craft some of Piedmont's finest Nebbiolos. However, their hearts have long been drawn to the wild, dry landscapes of Gallura in northeastern Sardinia, marked by massive rocks and deep blue coves. To indulge their passion for the island without guilt, they fulfilled a long-cherished dream a few years ago by acquiring the small Azienda Agricola Raìca near Alzachena, complete with a few hectares of vineyards. Alongside the local Pascale di Cagliari, an intriguing red grape variety, the main star is Vermentino, Sardinia’s most important white grape and one of the most exciting and widespread varieties in the Mediterranean region.
Vermentino thrives particularly well on the islands and coastal areas, less so on the inland mainland. It is one of the few varieties that can handle the often scorching summer heat of Italy (Sardinia, Liguria, Tuscany) and France (Corsica, Provence), while also benefiting from the salty sea breezes, which can be quite strong in these regions.
Cinzia and Eugenio's Vermentino is rooted in a northeast-facing slope in the Colli del Limbara at 550 meters above sea level. The vines are between 5 and 45 years old, growing on schist and sand. The vineyard is managed organically, with the use of treatments (copper and sulfur) kept to a minimum due to the generally dry conditions.
10% of the grapes remain in contact with their skins for 14 days, while the other 90% are immediately pressed and spontaneously fermented. The wine spends two months in used barriques before transferring to stainless steel tanks for an additional six months, and is bottled at the end of June or early July.
Style
Mediterranean herbs, salt, and ripe fruit define the aroma profile. The texture is soft and creamy, with restrained acidity providing structure alongside a touch of tannin. The finish is warm and substantial, echoing the salty and thyme notes from the nose.
Specifications
- Grape Variety: Vermentino
- Vineyard: Schist & sand
- Harvest: By hand
- Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts
- Aging: 2 months in used barriques, 6 months in stainless steel
- Filtration: No
- SO₂: < 50 mg/l
- Alcohol Content: 13% vol.
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 10-12°C
- Optimal Drinking Window: From now – 2028
- Content and Price per Liter: 0.75 l/(€33.62/l)
Philosophy: All winemakers listed with Vinonudo work with compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations in their vineyards, avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and artificial fertilizers.
