2004 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna

I generally prefer the more unusual white wines, those made from less common white grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. There are so many different white varietals available around the world. I have found some very interesting indigenous white varietals from countries like Greece, Spain and Italy. I recommend that you too try some of these different varietals.

One such wine that I can recommend is the 2004 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna ($10). This wine is from the Italian island of Sardinia. It is made from 90% Vermentino and 10% other Sardinian grapes. It has an alcohol content of 13.5%. It saw no oak and had partial malolactic fermentation.

I found this wine to be a bright yellow in color with an interesting nose of tropical fruits. On the palate, it is crisp and has delicious flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. It has a nice balance and is very pleasing to the tongue. I had this wine with lobster ravioli topped with a cheesy vodka sauce. It went well, its acidity pairing well with the dish. At its price, this is an excellent value and well worth buying. If you want to try something different, buy this wine.

This wine, for several vintages has received very positive press. For example, Robert Parker said: "The 2004 Vermentino Costamolino (perhaps the finest Vermentino I have ever tasted) exhibits ripe, exotic fruit (banana, pear, mango, and lemons) and salty sea breeze-like notes. With a delicious texture as well as a dry, heady finish, it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 12 months. Score: 90."