Vermentino di Gallura - Superiore - Jankara

The Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG by Jankara is one of Italy's most representative and beloved whites — and Emporio Divino's choice to include this label in the catalogue confirms an oenological vision that looks across all of Italy, not only at the Veneto or Tuscany. Vermentino di Gallura is Sardinia's only DOCG for white wines — the island's highest and most selective appellation — and Jankara is one of the reference producers for this denomination in the heart of Gallura, in the hinterland of Olbia.

The name "Jankara" recalls Sardo-Gallurese linguistic roots — an ancient word evoking the harsh, granitic and wild territory of Gallura, that zone of north-eastern Sardinia characterised by crumbled pink granite soils, dense Mediterranean scrubland and a windy and sunny microclimate that gives Vermentino a concentration and aromatic personality that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. The Superiore designation indicates higher-quality grapes with a minimum alcohol level above that of the base Vermentino di Gallura DOC — and the 14.5% of this wine confirms the full ripeness of the grapes.

Vinification is respectful and precise: soft pressing of pure 100% Vermentino grapes, fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperature to preserve the full varietal aromatic complexity, 6 months on fine lees in stainless steel and 3 months in bottle. A production of 20,000 bottles that guarantees national availability without sacrificing the artisan and territorial identity.

Vermentino di Gallura is a variety of strong and immediate character — nothing to do with the delicacy of Garganega or the linearity of Soave. On the nose it is explosive and aromatic: ripe yellow peach, apricot, pineapple, orange blossom and broom flowers, rosemary, thyme, sage, Sardinian scrubland, citrus (lemon, cedar, bergamot) and a characteristic bitter note of bitter almond and bitter herbs that is the unmistakable signature of Vermentino di Gallura on granite soils. On the palate it is full, sapid and enveloping — 14.5% of natural power well integrated, a creamy and substantial texture, a fresh acidity that balances the structure, a persistent almost briny salinity and a long finish with notes of yellow fruit, Mediterranean herbs and bitter almond. A white with the strength of a light red — one of those wines that surprises those expecting something simpler. Serve at 11°C.

At €17 for a Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG from one of the appellation's reference producers with the 2023 vintage, this is one of the most complete and satisfying Italian whites in the entire Emporio Divino catalogue.