Have you ever heard of the Rolle grape variety ? Perhaps you know it better as Vermentino ? Grown in Corsica, Provence, and also in Languedoc-Roussillon, this white grape variety captivates with its freshness and unique aromas.
But where does it come from? How did Rolle make its way through history? What types of wine can be made from it and, above all, what should you pair them with to get the most out of them? We tell you everything about this fascinating variety. Happy reading!
Summary
History and origins of the Rolle grape variety
The history of Rolle, also known as Vermentino in Italy, spans centuries and Mediterranean borders. Its history is intriguing, and its origins remain a subject of debate.
According to the ampelographer Pierre Galet, the variety is believed to be related to Malvasia, a grape variety of Greek origin, and is thought to have traveled from the vineyards of Madeira to Spain, before conquering Corsica, Sardinia, and then Liguria in Italy. However, this theory is challenged by writings that already mention Vermentino in Liguria as early as the 14th century under the name Arratelau, well before the arrival of the Portuguese in Madeira in the 15th century.
Its relationship with Malvasia rather suggests that this grape variety arrived in Italy from Greece, transported by Venetian merchants during Antiquity. At that time, the Greeks, followed by the Romans, spread viticulture throughout the Mediterranean basin, and Vermentino seems to have followed these trade routes.
During the Middle Ages, Vermentino began to be mentioned more frequently in historical writings, particularly in Liguria in the 14th century. Its cultivation then spread to the Mediterranean islands, especially Corsica and Sardinia, where it adapted perfectly to the sunny and windy climates.
During the Renaissance, Vermentino experienced a real boom. This grape variety also flourished from the 18th century onwards throughout the south of France, particularly in Provence and Corsica, where well-drained soils and generous sunshine promote its development. In the 19th century, Rolle then became an emblematic grape variety of the Mediterranean wine regions and its reputation continued to grow.
Today, Vermentino covers around 11,500 hectares worldwide, with a strong upward trend. Its flagship country remains Italy, where it accounts for nearly 5 000 hectares, and France, with 3 500 hectares, also remains one of its strongholds. The variety has even been exported to the United States, Australia, and Brazil !
Pierre Galet: renowned ampelographer
Where is the Rolle grape variety grown?
The Rolle grape is mainly grown in Mediterranean regions, particularly in coastal areas. Its preferred terroir remains Corsica, where it is also known as Malvoisie de Corse. The AOC Patrimonio, located in the north of the island, is the main reference for white wines made from Vermentino in the region.
In Provence, it is also found in the white wines of the Côtes-de-Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Bandol or even in the small AOC Bellet in Nice.
Finally, Rolle is also present in Languedoc where it is considered a secondary grape variety, for example in the IGP Côtes Catalanes or the AOC Picpoul de Pinet.
As you have understood, Vermentino therefore adapts perfectly to the sunny and windy terroirs of southern France !
In Italy, it is mainly cultivated in Sardinia, where several appellations bear its name, in Liguria (Genoa region) as well as in Tuscany.
Vines on the AOP Patrimonio, Corsica
The characteristics of the Rolle (or Vermentino) grape variety
Let us now examine in more detail the particularities of this wonderful grape variety !
Vermentino is distinguished by its conical clusters, medium to large in size, and by its lobed leaves, which have between 5 and 7 lobes. At maturity, its berries with thick and firm skin take on a white hue, turning pink when they reach over-ripeness.
Rolle is a late-ripening grape variety and is known to be vigorous. However, it requires a warm climate to develop well, which explains its almost exclusive presence in Mediterranean terroirs.
From a taste perspective, Vermentino is appreciated for its fine and fruity aromas. When vinified as a single-varietal wine, it produces a dry white wine with a pale yellow color and green highlights. Its delicate aromas evoke citrus fruits, pear, apple as well as delightful floral notes (notably honeysuckle and hawthorn).
On the palate, wines made from Rolle are generally rich, refined and well-balanced, but can sometimes lack acidity, especially when the grape variety is grown in very warm terroirs.
Rolle can also be used in blends with other grape varieties such as Ugni blanc (Trebbiano bianco in Italy), Clairette or even Grenache blanc.
Rolle: a Mediterranean grape variety with floral aromas
What to eat with a wine made from Rolle?
With its delicate aromas, Vermentino pairs wonderfully well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some pairing examples to whet your appetite!
- Grilled fish: whether it's with sea bream, sardines, or even calamari, the fruity and floral aromas of Vermentino enhance the delicacy of the fish.
- Seafood: serve your Vermentino wine with a seafood platter. Salty oysters or a shrimp salad are indeed a great pairing option, as are sea urchins.
To echo its favorite terroirs, Rolle also enhances Mediterranean cuisine of which here are some recipes.
- Vegetable tian: a dish rich in color and flavor that highlights sun-kissed vegetables.
- Greek salads: the freshness of tomatoes, cucumber, and feta pairs perfectly with the fruity notes of Vermentino.
- White meats and poultry: opt for roast chicken with cream or veal escalopes with green asparagus tips. For this type of dish, choose a full-bodied Vermentino, perhaps even aged in oak barrels!
To fully enjoy the aromas of your wine, it is recommended to serve it between 11 and 13°C. The lightest cuvées of Rolle can be enjoyed at around 8-10°C.
Generally, wines made from Vermentino are best enjoyed young, within 2 to 4 years after harvest.Nevertheless, some of the great Vermentinos from Provence or Corsica can improve in the bottle for a decade or more in certain cases.
Vegetable tian: a perfect pairing with the freshness of a Rolle or Vermentino wine
The best Rolle (or Vermentino) wines
If you are wondering which estates to choose for enjoying a quality glass of Vermentino, here are some gems that will take you on a journey !
Clos Canarelli
Located in Corsica, the Clos Canarelli stands out for its authentic wines produced using biodynamics, true interpretations of their terroir in southern Corsica.
Here we recommend the 100% Rolle in AOC Corse Figari produced by Yves Canarelli. An elegant, mineral, deep wine with a very beautiful length. Top level!
Yves Leccia
Still in Corsica within the AOC Patrimonio, Yves Leccia is a key figure of the region. His white wines made from Rolle stand out as indulgentlively, vibrant, and mineral, enhanced with notes of white peach and floral hints. A must-try!
In recent years, some of his cuvées have left the AOC Patrimonio and are now labeled IGP Ile de Beauté. No matter, as long as the quality is there!
Château Sainte-Marguerite
In Provence, Château Sainte-Marguerite stands out as a safe bet for Rolle enthusiasts. The estate produces a great white wine called " Fantastique," which beautifully showcases this grape variety. Finesse, richness, and indulgentise are all present. A real treat !
Other estates such as Figuière (AOC Côtes-de-Provence) or Tempier (AOC Bandol) also use this grape variety in their white wines, often in blends. Don’t hesitate to discover them, as they are also well worth your attention !
As you will have understood, the Rolle grape variety is a gem that every wine lover should discover. Whether you are a fan of light white wines or looking for new flavors to pair with your dishes, Vermentino will not disappoint you.
And if you want to taste these quality wines, why not check out our selection on La Cave Éclairée ? You will find something to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. So, are you ready to be tempted? Enjoy your tasting!
