ARGIOLAS VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA "COSTAMOLINO" 2008

Located amid Sardinia’s natural beauty, just north of Cagliari, is the Argiolas estate, widely known for its crisp and refreshing white wines and complex reds. Antonio Argiolas and his twin sons, Franco and Giuseppe, have worked diligently to fulfill their commitment to become the leaders in Sardinian enology. Over the years the Argiolas family has strongly insisted on its native Sardinian vines, focusing on the indigenous white varietals Nuragus and Vermentino and the red varietals Cannonau, Monica, Carignano and Bovale Sardo.

The Costamolino is made from 90% Vermentino and 10% of other Sardinian grapes that we're certain we can't pronounce.  It is vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel and a partial malolactic fermentation is carried out.  This is what gives the wine its elegance and depth, but without tainting its freshness and brightness.  

Argiolas Costamolino     $15 per bottle

meet the vine

Vermentino
Thought to have been in Sardinia since the 14th century, Vermentino is, needless to say, its most indigenous varietal. It may be the most elusive too, with at least 40 other aliases. The most well known are Favorita from Piedmont and Pigato from Liguria. In the vineyard, Vermentino is one of the easiest varietals to grow as it is resistant to drought, a vigorous grower and ripens towards the middle of the harvest cycle. Terribly agreeable in light of all her various names. The wines are often crisp and citrusy with an unusual roundness to them as the varietal is generally unoaked.  We like it because it is often affordable and offers a uniqueness about it that we greatly enjoy.