About This Wine:
In 1950 Salvatore Pala began his adventure with wine amongst the rolling, vine-covered hills of Serdiana, an idyllic village located in southern Sardinia. With mild winters and warm, dry summers, this part of Italy’s second-largest island is ideal for grape-growing, with both Vermentino and Cannonau finding a special home here. In 1995 Salvatore passed control of the winery operations to his sons, Enrico and Mario. Today he is still a source of advice and the guardian of the winery’s historical heritage. Pala continues to be a family-owned winery where the value of tradition and the innovation of modern techniques are both significant facets of the winemaking process. Pala owns 5 different vineyard areas with a total of 58 hectares currently under vine. Each vineyard is planted with varieties that are chosen according to the microclimate and soil type of the individual site. At Pala, respect for tradition, care and devotion to the vines, and the production of great wine have always been fundamental values. This dedication has resulted in wines of great character and elegance that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts and experts alike.
Crabilis, which means “ancient goat shelter” in Sardinian dialect, is the name of a vine-covered limestone-sandy hill not far from the Pala winery. Crabilis lends its name to Pala’s Vermentino, as this is the most widely planted grape in this 25-hectare vineyard area. After harvest and gentle pressing, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks where it rests for
a few months before bottling.
What Does It Taste Like?
Straw-colored with greenish reflections. Persistent floral and herbaceous aromas with notes of thyme. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with good balance and a long, slightly briny finish makes it a perfect companion to any shellfish. Also served with seafood dishes and lightly seasoned soups.
Ratings & Reviews
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:"The 2009 Vermentino I Fiori is a pretty, entry-level Vermentino with expressive aromatics and a generous core of varietal fruit. I liked this quite a bit more than the Vermentino Crabilis (from the 2008 vintage) which came across as excessively heavy and overdone. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2011." - Antonio Galloni (6/2010)
90 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar ('07 vintage):"Bright yellow-gold. Smoky peach and melon on the nose, with intense floral, herbal and mineral notes building with aeration. Concentrated flavors of lemon ice and sage are kept fresh by some unabsorbed CO2. Finishes long and clean, with a lovely lime note. Vermentino doesn't get any more intense than this. Crabilis means "goat shelter," of which there are many on the rocky slopes of Sardinia." -Ian D'Agata (Jul/Aug 08)
An obvious wine for all seafood pairings; this wine really excels with all shellfish, from clams to lobster, as well as white meats
