Vermentino 2024

A warm, dry growing season with a naturally small crop due to cooler spring days during flowering resulted in remarkable concentration and balance. Originally from the Mediterranean, where it flourishes in coastal regions like Sardinia, Vermentino finds a perfect home in Marlborough’s maritime climate, producing a wine of vibrant freshness, saline minerality, and refined texture.

A brief cold soak to extract the essence from the skins before allowing the must to ferment naturally with wild yeast. Regular lees stirring at the end of fermentation added complexity and depth. Staying true to my hands-on approach in the vineyard and hands-off philosophy in the winery, this small-batch wine was not cold stabilized, remained unfined, and underwent only light filtration.

A vibrant medley of mandarin, ripe yellow apple, apricot, and honeysuckle, layered with savoury hints of wild fennel. Its crisp acidity and pronounced minerality make it an excellent companion for food, offering both freshness and complexity. Tasted April 2025 by Andrea Martinisi.

The salinity in this full-bodied but fresh wine means it works wonderfully well with pasta,  especially linguine with seafood or pesto. Seafood dishes, think mussels, cockles or octopus and grilled Chicken will be heavenly too.