Chessa Mattariga Vermentino Di Sardegna 2021 750ml

From the windswept vineyards of northern Sardinia comes this exceptional Vermentino from Giovanna Chessa, one of the island's most talented young winemakers. The Mattariga vineyard, with its unique combination of granite soils and maritime influence, produces Vermentino of extraordinary character that showcases the variety's ability to express terroir with crystalline clarity.

The 2021 Mattariga opens with an intensely mineral and focused bouquet. While showing typical Vermentino notes of citrus and white flowers, what sets this apart is its pronounced mineral character - crushed granite, sea salt, and wet stone dominate. Fresh herbs, particularly wild thyme and rosemary, add a distinctly Sardinian signature, while subtle notes of white peach and almond provide complexity. There's an almost electric quality to the aromatics that speaks to the wine's special terroir.

On the palate, this Vermentino displays remarkable intensity and precision. The texture is taut and focused, with racing acidity that creates an almost nervous energy. Flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and grapefruit are infused with that distinctive granite minerality, creating a wine of unusual purity and definition. The mid-palate reveals additional complexity with notes of bitter herbs, white tea, and a pronounced saline character. The finish is extraordinarily long and mineral, with echoing notes of citrus and stone.

What makes Chessa's Vermentino special is her minimalist approach that allows terroir to speak with absolute clarity. Through organic farming, indigenous yeasts, and minimal intervention, she creates wines that are pure expressions of place. The Mattariga vineyard's special combination of elevation, granite soils, and exposure creates Vermentino of unusual intensity and mineral complexity. This is Vermentino for those who appreciate wines of precision and terroir expression over simple fruitiness.

This distinctive wine calls for equally pure cuisine. Its intense minerality and bright acidity make it perfect for raw seafood - oysters, crudo, or sashimi where the wine's purity can shine. The wine's herbal notes also make it excellent with vegetable-based dishes, particularly those featuring wild greens or herbs. For Sardinian pairings, try with bottarga, sea urchin, or simply grilled fish with olive oil and lemon. This is wine that rewards attention and is best enjoyed when you can focus on its complexity. Serve well-chilled to appreciate its pristine character.