Established in 1956, Cantina del Vermentino, whose name pays homage to the noblest of the grapevines grown in Gallura, is the first Sardinian Winery to have sold large stocks of bottled wines such as S'éleme, Thaòra, Abbaìa, Aghiloia. At present, the Winery has 200 associate producers, who own and tend 350 hectares of vineyards in the territories of Monti, Telti, Olbia and Loiri Porto San Paolo, just inland of Costa Smeralda. The amount of grapes processed each year averages 30,000 quintals, yielding a production of 2,000,000 bottles, 15% of which are marketed abroad while the remainder is sold on the national market.
The history of Vermentino starts its long, slow journey through the Mediterranean way back in time: from Spain, reputedly its native land, where it was known as Listan d'Andalusia, it spread into France, where it was variously called Grosse Clarette, Malvois d'Espagne and Piccabon. Known as Favorita in Piedmont, when it reached Liguria it became Pizzamosca, Corbesso and Vemettino. With this last appellation, it reached Corsica and finally, in the second half of the 19th century, it was introduced into Gallura, where it was called Vermentino. The grape soon spread to other areas of the island, but it is in Gallura that it found its ideal habitat: the exceptional environmental conditions have contributed to refine and enhance the qualities of this sun-loving grape, which yields a wine of unique aroma, body and alcohol content. In 1975, Vermentino di Gallura obtained the D.O.C. distinction (Denomination of Controlled Origin) and in 1996 it was assigned the highest recognition for a wine: D.O.C.G. (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), testifying to its consistent high quality.
In full compliance with the regulations which in 1996 bestowed the prestigious Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin on Vermentino di Gallura, the vineyards of Cantina del Vermentino di Monti are planted on soils deriving from granite weathering, at elevations ranging between 200 and 500 m above sea level. Planting and grafting, tending and pruning are performed according to traditional methods, so as not to alter the typical characteristics of the grape and the wines obtained from it. Whenever a new vineyard is to be planted, the Winery's growers first carry out an accurate survey and soil study, so as to select the most suitable vines to match with the quality of the soils, sunlight and wind exposure, and elevation. In addition to Vermentino, which takes pride of place among the grapevine varieties of Gallura, other grapes that grow especially well in this district and which add to the wine selection of Cantina del Vermentino are Cagnulari, Muristello, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cannonau, Carignano, Caricaggiola, Monica, and Moscato.