| Characteristics | Verdicchio | Vermentino |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Pale lemon to straw | Pale lemon to straw |
| Color | White | White |
| Aromas | Citrus, green apple, oily, almond | Citrus, green apple, white blossom, mineral |
| Sweetness | Dry to off-dry | Dry to off-dry |
| Acid | Medium plus to high | Medium Plus |
| Alcohol (%) | 12-13% | 12-13% |
| Body | Light to medium | Light to medium minus |
| Intensity | Medium to pronounced | Medium |
| Key Growing Regions | Italy (Marche, Umbria, California) | Italy (Sardinia, Liguria), France, Spain |
| Classic Pairings | Poultry, salads, light pasta dishes | Seafood, salads, light pasta |
| Price Range | $15-$40 | $15-$30 |
Verdicchio vs Vermentino is a logical white wine comparison. These two white wines sounds similar and have much in common.
Verdicchio and Vermentino are both medium intensity citrus-driven white wines. Verdicchio has apple, oil and almond. Vermentino has blossom and mineral.
TL;DR: If you enjoy Vermentino, you’ll enjoy Verdicchio.
Here’s what you need to know about Verdicchio vs Vermentino.
- Vermentino Basics: Mediterranean Classic
- Verdicchio Basics: Italy’s Other White
- Wine Comparison: Verdicchio vs Vermentino
- Vermentino vs. Verdicchio: Food Pairings and Serving Temperature
- Which Is More Expensive: Verdicchio vs Vermentino
- Which Is Better? Verdicchio vs Vermentino
- Final Thoughts – Verdicchio vs Vermentino
- Thirsty for More?
Vermentino Basics: Mediterranean Classic
Vermentino, a true Mediterranean wine, offers a captivating experience. With origins in regions such as Italy, France (where it is known as Rolle), and Sardinia, Vermentino showcases a distinct character.
Vermentino’s vibrant acidity and refreshing citrus profile pair well with sun-drenched terraces and light Mediterranean cuisine.
Vermentino will usually have a medium body, providing more weight on the palate. Its flavor profile includes hints of tropical fruits, citrus zest, and sometimes a touch of saline minerality, reflecting its coastal vineyards.
Fun Wine Fact: Researchers now think that Vermentino’s been cultivated as a wine grape since the 1300s.
Verdicchio Basics: Italy’s Other White
Verdicchio grows in the Umbria and Marche regions of Italy where it makes an aromatic, bright white wine with peach, lemon, and green apple. Higher-quality versions of Verdicchio will have an almond note to them. Discover more in the complete Verdicchio wine guide.
Fun Wine Fact: Verdicchio was once more popular than Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc!
Wine Comparison: Verdicchio vs Vermentino
Here’s a quick overview of the most common styles of Verdicchio and Vermentino wines.
Vermentino Wine Profile
- Sweetness: Vermentino wines lean towards dryness, offering a range of dry to off-dry styles.
- Alcohol: Vermentino wines typically have a moderate alcohol content, similar to Vermentino, ranging from around 11% to 13% ABV.
- Body: Vermentino is known for its medium body.
- Acid: Vermentino showcases vibrant acidity, similar to Verdicchio.
- Flavor and Aroma Intensity: Vermentino boasts refreshing citrus notes and subtle floral undertones.
- Flavors: The flavor profile often includes tropical fruits, citrus, and a hint of saline minerality if grown near the coast.
Fun Wine Fact: Vermentino also goes by the name “Rolle”.
Verdicchio Wine Profile
- Sweetness: Verdicchio wines lean towards dryness, offering a range of dry to off-dry styles.
- Alcohol: Verdicchio wines typically have medium alcohol content, similar to Vermentino, ranging from around 11% to 13% ABV.
- Body: Verdicchio is known for its lighter to medium body, similar to Vermentino.
- Acid: Verdicchio displays vibrant acidity, similar or slightly higher than Vermentino wines.
- Flavor and Aroma Intensity: Verdicchio expresses refreshing citrus notes along with green apple, peach, almond, and an oily quality.
Are Verdicchio and Vermentino Similar?
Verdicchio and Vermentino are similar. Both wines have a lighter body, medium alcohol, and medium intensity. Both wines share citrus and green apple notes.
What Is the Difference Between Verdicchio and Vermentino?
Verdicchio wines will have a classic almond note and an oily quality. Vermentino has a blossom, white floral, and mineral note that Verdicchio won’t have. Verdicchio can have slightly higher acid than Vermentino and be slightly more intense, but you may not notice this while tasting.
Vermentino vs. Verdicchio: Food Pairings and Serving Temperature
Verdicchio and Vermentino share a learner, delicate nature and will pair well with lighter cuisine. Embrace the wines’ citrus core when thinking about food pairing. Chicken, white fish, salads, creamy cheeses, and cream sauces.
These are Mediterranean wines. Go for Mediterranean cuisine.
Place them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before serving. Remove the bottles from the refrigerator approximately 10-15 minutes before pouring to reach the ideal serving temperature.
Both wines are best enjoyed chilled.
| Wine | Serving Temperature (°F) | Serving Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Verdicchio | 45-50°F | 8-10°C |
| Vermentino | 45-50°F | 8-10°C |
Helpful Tip: If you’re just getting started with wine, head over to the post that covers just the basics of food and wine pairing.
Which Is More Expensive: Verdicchio vs Vermentino
It’s natural to think about bottle costs when comparing similar white wines. Verdicchio and Vermentino share similar price points.
| Quality Level | Vermentino | Verdicchio |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $12 – $20 | $15 – $20 |
| Premium | $25 – $40+ | $25 – $40+ |
How Much Does Vermentino Cost?
- Entry-level Vermentino wines also fall within accessible price ranges, usually ranging from $12 to $20 per bottle. These wines are known for their pure fruit flavors that forefront freshness, perfect for casual sipping and pairing.
- On the premium side, Vermentino will have more intense fruit flavors. You’ll immediately notice just how pronounced they can be. Premium Vermentino wines sourced from renowned regions can have wine prices of $25 to $40 or more.
Personal Note: I regularly come across Vermentino made by boutique winegrowers in California, but not so much Verdicchio. When I buy Verdicchio, I have to look to Italy.
Verdicchio Cost
- Entry-level Verdicchio wines also fall within accessible price ranges, usually ranging from $12 to $20 per bottle. These wines are accessible and bright.
- On the premium side, Verdicchio will have more intense fruit flavors. Premium Verdicchio wines will usually cost between $25 – $35 per bottle but can cost $40+.
Exploring different price points within each varietal allows you to find a Verdicchio or Vermentino that aligns with your taste preferences and budget.
Helpful Tip: It’s unlikely that you’ll find either Verdicchio or Vermentino at your local grocery store, you’ll probably need to go to a specialty wine shop.
Which Is Better? Verdicchio vs Vermentino
If you enjoy vibrant wines with bright juicy green fruit and floral and mineral notes, Vermentino is the better choice. If you crisp white wines with an almond and oily quality, then Verdicchio is better.
Final Thoughts – Verdicchio vs Vermentino
Verdicchio and Vermentino are delightful white wines to compare because they share many of the same qualities. These are two middle-of-the road, medium-intensity white wines with citrus and apply notes, and lighter bodies. If you really want to figure out the differences between them, then you’ll have to do a side-by-side tasting.
Your Challenge: Get a similarly priced bottle of Verdicchio and Vermentino and host a DIY tasting this weekend.
Thirsty for More?
Discover More:
Pinot Grigio vs Vermentino
Viognier vs Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc vs Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio vs Pinot Blanc
