Castellani Vermentino

Castellani Vermentino is a white wine in the Italian style, built on Vermentino, a grape best known from Liguria, Sardinia and Tuscany's coast. The listing gives the origin as Massachusetts, United States, and doesn't state a vintage, alcohol level or tasting notes. What follows describes how Vermentino usually behaves, not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a dry, light-to-medium-bodied white. Vermentino typically shows green apple, lime and white peach, with a floral note and sometimes a faint bitter-almond or saline edge on the finish. Acidity is usually bright, and the wine is normally fermented and aged in stainless steel, so oak is unlikely. Tannin is not a factor in a white of this type. The finish tends to be short to moderate and clean, which suits a wine meant to go with food. That profile points toward seafood and simple cooking. Grilled shrimp, steamed clams, fried calamari, white fish with lemon and herbs, and linguine with clam sauce all fit. It should also work with pesto, young goat cheese, and salads dressed with vinaigrette. Its acidity is useful against fried and briny dishes. Serve it well chilled, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Pull it from the refrigerator about ten minutes before pouring if it has been very cold. It doesn't need decanting. Use a standard white wine glass with a moderately narrow bowl, which keeps the citrus and floral aromas concentrated. Wines in this style are usually made for drinking young and fresh. Plan to open it within a year or two of purchase instead of cellaring it.