Argiolas

Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2009

Wine Description

Made from 90% Vermentino and 10% of other Sardinian grapes grown at an elevation of 625 feet. The grapes were harvested in September and vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation was partially carried out, allowing for greater elegance without sacrificing the typical freshness of Vermentino.

Tasting Notes

Costamolino is lemon-green in color with intense yet delicate aromas of citrus, pineapple, tropical fruits and honey. On the palate, the wine shows a delightfully zesty acidity, which makes it the wine of choice for many dishes, from fish antipasti and pastas to vegetables terrine, salads, white meat casseroles, and risotto. Also delicious with Asian food and sushi.

Vineyard Characteristics

Production area/name of vineyard: Various vineyards in Pranu Sturru-Suelli, Costa Bancodi and Perda Campus-Selegas
Size of vineyard (acres): 197
Soil composition: Clay
Training method: Espalier
Elevation (feet): 625
Yield/acre (tons): 3.6
Exposure: Southwestern
Year vineyard planted: 1990
Agronomist/Vineyard manager: Giuseppe Argiolas

Winemaking & Aging

Varietal composition: 90% Vermentino and 10% other local grapes
Harvest time: August-September
First vintage of this wine: 1990
Number bottles produced of this wine: 600,000
Fermentation
Fermentation container: Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation (days): 20
Fermentation temperature (°F): 65
Aging
Aging container: Stainless steel tanks
Analytical Data
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH level: 3.4
Residual sugar (grams/liter): 2.2
Acidity (grams/liter): 4.5
Dry extract (grams/liter): 2.5

Reviews

Philadelphia Inquirer - April 15, 2007
Drink
Most drinkers think red when the subject of Italian wine is mentioned, but the island of Sardinia produces some great whites, too. This Costamolino from the Argiolas estate has been appearing as a top value on a number of restaurant lists, including Marc Vetri's new Osteria, and South Philly's James. And after one catchy sip, it's no wonder. Made from vermentino grapes, this wine has greenish gold luster, and is a natural with food. It has a crisp aroma of crunchy apple on the nose balanced by a refreshing orange-zest bitterness, and a dry but rich mouth feel that gives it a good long finish.


Wine & Spirits - April 2006
Seventeenth Annual Restaurant Poll Popular Bargains
Ranked 5th Lowest-Priced Wine on Restaurant Wine Lists.
Ranked 5th Lowest-Priced Wine