2009 Vermentino

Production Notes

The 2009 Tablas Creek Vineyard Vermentino is Tablas Creek’s eighth bottling of this traditional Mediterranean varietal, known principally in Sardinia, Corsica, and Northern Italy. It is also grown in the Rhone Valley (particularly Côtes de Provence) where it is known as Rolle. The Vermentino grape produces wines that are bright, clean, and crisp, with distinctive citrus character, refreshing acidity and surprising richness.

When we imported our Châteauneuf du Pape clones, our contact in the French nursery service included the Vermentino because he believed it would thrive in the rocky limestone soils of Paso Robles. We have planted two small blocks of Vermentino, less than two acres total, and it has indeed thrived here.

Our Vermentino grapes were grown on our 120-acre certified organic estate vineyard.

The 2009 vintage was our third consecutive drought year, with yields further reduced by April frosts. The resulting yields were the lowest since 2001, and averaged less than 2 tons per acre across the entire vineyard. The low yields and a series of alternating hot and cool weather patterns throughout the second half of the summer produced wines with remarkable concentration and lushness. The Vermentino blocks were harvested on September 22nd and October 8th.

The Vermentino grapes were whole cluster pressed, and fermented using native yeasts in stainless steel to emphasize the minerality of the grapes. The wine was bottled in February 2010.

Tasting Notes

The 2009 Vermentino shows an inviting nose of meyer lemon, mineral and kiwi. In the mouth, it displays a creamy lushness surprising for Vermentino, flavors of lemon oil and herbs, and a rich, long, spicy finish.

Reviews

[...more recent Tablas Creek press]

Recipe Suggestions

[...more recipes]

Food Pairings

  • Nearly any fresh seafood
  • Oysters on the half shell
  • Aioli or Pestos
  • Linguine with clam sauce
  • Stir fried green vegetables
Vermentino

Not Available for Purchase

Blend

  • 100% Vermentino

Technical Notes

  • 13.5% Alcohol by Volume
  • 420 Cases Produced

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