Also called Vermentino or Vermentinu in Italy and Corsica respectively, Rolle is white grape variety which creates fine, fruity wines, all the more so as they retain their freshness. Largely planted throughout France’s southern regions, it shines in Provence and Corsica. Let’s dive into the world of this variety with two names!
Vague origins and Provençal plantings
Rolle’s origins are not clear and easy to trace. For some scientists, its origins lie in Turkey or Greece, and it was then brought to Italy by Genoese merchants. Others think that it is actually an Italian or Spanish variety. With either theory, the variety travelled across a mountain range to end up in France, where it has long been grown in Provence, around the city of Nice. It seems to be part of the group of the Malvoisie group of grape varieties.
Where is Rolle planted?
You can it in Provence and Corsican appellations like Bandol, Côtes de Provence (Château de Roquefort, Château d’Esclans, Château Grand Boise, Domaines Ott – Clos Mireille), Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Costières de Nîmes, Collioure, Ajaccio, Patrimonio (Antoine Arena, Jean-Baptiste Arena, Clos Marfisi), Sartène (Sant Armettu) Figari (Clos Canarelli)… It is also grown in Languedoc (Domaines Balansa, Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian), Roussillon (Domaines Clos des Fées, Olivier Pithon, Le Soula), South West France (Château Combel la Serre) and the southern Rhone Valley (Roucas Toumba, Richaud).
Vermentino’s characteristics
Quite vigorous, Rolle has average-sized grapes with firm, thick skin that becomes pink when overripe. This late-harvesting variety is particularly happy in hot, dry areas like those with granite soils, for example. It is sensitive to wind and susceptible to powdery mildew.
Wines solely produced from the Vermentino/Rolle variety often have delicate, fruity aromas such as citrus fruits, pear, and apple with a touch of hazelnut or almond and hawthorn flower. On the palate, they are rich, balanced and very fine. They can sometimes lack a little acidity, which is why those from cooler vineyards and/or those at from altitude can be preferred.
Vermentino is sometimes blended with red varieties to create a characterful rosé.
What food pairings work best with Rolle?
As the saying goes “what grows together, goes together” and it’s no different here. Rolle pairs beautifully with dishes from around the Mediterranean – grilled fishes, summer vegetable tarts, Greek salad… It can also marry wonderfully with white meat and poultry such as roast chicken in a cream sauce.
