APPEARANCE
A luminous golden-yellow hue, revealing a warm, expressive visual character. Its golden reflections introduce a Vermentino whose personality moves beyond the conventional image of a youthful Mediterranean white.

NOSE
An intriguing interplay of stony, mineral impressions and Mediterranean aromatics. Thyme and rosemary emerge with remarkable definition, accompanied by hints of chamomile and wild herbs. As the bouquet unfolds, ripe fruit, delicate citrus nuances and subtle suggestions of dried grapes add complexity without overshadowing its distinctly balsamic character.

PALATE
Expressive and savoury, with a pronounced mineral impression that provides a clear sense of direction. Ripe fruit nuances emerge alongside aromatic herbs, while a lively freshness counterbalances the wine's depth. The palate develops with persistence and precision rather than excessive weight, revealing a Vermentino of considerable individuality.

BALANCE & STRUCTURE
A distinctive balance between aromatic intensity, savoury tension and structural depth. Freshness keeps the palate focused, while the wine's substance lends dimension and continuity. Its personality rests not on richness alone, but on the relationship between mineral expression, Mediterranean aromatics and a well-defined structure.

EVOLUTION IN THE GLASS
A wine that invites attention rather than haste. Its mineral and herbal impressions form the initial framework, gradually allowing riper fruit nuances and delicate aromatic subtleties to emerge. With time in the glass, the interaction between these elements can reveal further depth, making gradual tasting particularly rewarding.

FINISH
Long, savoury and distinctly persistent. Mineral impressions and aromatic echoes of thyme and rosemary extend beyond the initial palate, accompanied by restrained ripe-fruit nuances. The finish preserves the wine's Mediterranean identity without sacrificing precision or definition.

SENSORY IDENTITY
A mineral-driven, balsamic expression of Vermentino, defined by the contrast between stony sensations, aromatic Mediterranean vegetation and ripe fruit. Its distinguishing feature is not a single dominant aroma, but the way these elements come together to create an unmistakable sense of character.

SERVING TEMPERATURE
13–16 °C. / 55–61 °F.
Serve towards the lower end of the range to emphasise freshness and mineral definition, allowing the temperature to rise gradually in the glass to explore its aromatic depth. Avoid excessive chilling, which may conceal the wine's more complex balsamic and fruit nuances.

BEYOND* INTERPRETATION
A Vermentino that makes the character of its origin impossible to overlook.
Argille Grigie expresses the meeting point between geological individuality and Mediterranean aromatic identity. Its mineral tension, evocative herbal character and persistent depth create a compelling interpretation of the Colli di Luni. A wine whose distinction lies not in stylistic excess, but in the clarity with which it communicates its territory.

BEYOND — The soil leaves its signature. The wine gives it a voice.*

SERVING TEMPERATURE
13–16 °C. / 55–61 °F., as recommended by the producer.
Serve initially at approximately 13 °C. (55 °F.), allowing the wine to warm gradually in the glass. This temperature range preserves its freshness and savoury precision while encouraging the expression of its distinctive balsamic notes of thyme and rosemary, ripe fruit nuances and mineral impressions.
Avoid excessive chilling, which may restrict its aromatic depth and conceal the structural complexity that distinguishes Argille Grigie from lighter, more immediate styles of Vermentino.

RECOMMENDED GLASSWARE
A medium-sized, tulip-shaped glass designed for structured white wines, with a generously proportioned bowl and a gently tapered rim.
The wider bowl allows the wine to breathe naturally and its aromatic layers to develop, while the narrower opening concentrates the bouquet, bringing greater definition to its Mediterranean herbal character and subtle fruit nuances.
Fine, thin-rimmed stemware is particularly suitable, offering a precise appreciation of the wine's balance between savoury tension, aromatic complexity and palate depth. Avoid small, narrow glasses intended primarily for light, youthful white wines.

FOOD PAIRINGS

From the British Coast — Seafood, Freshness & Mineral Precision
Argille Grigie finds a compelling partner in the exceptional seafood traditions of the British Isles. Cornish crab, served simply with lemon and delicate herbs, allows the wine's freshness and mineral impressions to complement the naturally sweet, delicate flesh.
Equally rewarding are Scottish langoustines, grilled with a little herb butter, Dover sole with lemon and parsley, and roast sea bass accompanied by samphire and new potatoes. The wine's savoury depth and aromatic definition create a particularly effective contrast with the richness of shellfish and the delicate texture of white fish.
For a more substantial coastal classic, consider smoked haddock fish pie, where the wine's freshness and structure can balance the creamy filling, while its balsamic notes complement the dish's savoury character.

British Culinary Traditions — From Sunday Lunch to the Country Table
Beyond seafood, Argille Grigie offers intriguing possibilities with the British tradition of carefully prepared roast meats.
Sunday roast chicken with lemon, thyme and rosemary is a particularly harmonious match: the wine's Mediterranean herbal notes echo the seasoning, while its freshness balances the richness of the roasted skin and pan juices.
Roast guinea fowl with woodland mushrooms, rabbit with mustard and herbs, and delicately seasoned pork tenderloin also provide rewarding combinations, especially when accompanied by seasonal vegetables and restrained sauces.
A well-prepared chicken and leek pie, with its buttery pastry and creamy filling, offers another distinctive pairing. The wine's savoury character and freshness provide welcome contrast without overwhelming the dish.

The Ligurian Connection — A Taste of Origin
To explore the wine within its original culinary landscape, Ligurian-style rabbit with Taggiasca olives, pine nuts and aromatic herbs remains one of the most representative pairings.
Cappon magro, the traditional Ligurian composition of seafood, vegetables and green herb sauce, provides a more elaborate encounter with the region's gastronomic heritage.
Equally appealing are pansoti with walnut sauce, where the wine's freshness helps balance the richness of the dressing, while its herbal character complements the vegetable filling.
These dishes offer an opportunity to experience Argille Grigie through the culinary traditions that share its Mediterranean identity.

Vegetarian Cuisine & British Cheeses — Texture and Contrast
The wine's structure and aromatic versatility also complement thoughtfully composed vegetable dishes.
Roasted artichokes with herbs, wild mushroom risotto, buttered asparagus with lemon, and a savoury tart of leeks and mature cheese all provide interesting combinations, particularly when acidity and seasoning are carefully balanced.
Among British cheeses, consider Cornish Yarg, whose delicate, earthy character offers a subtle dialogue with the wine's herbal profile, or a moderately mature Wensleydale, whose gentle acidity and creamy texture can complement its freshness.
For a richer pairing, try a small portion of Somerset Brie served at room temperature, allowing the Vermentino's savoury tension to balance its creamy consistency.

IDEAL TASTING OCCASION

A wine for thoughtful dining, shared discovery and unhurried conversation.
Argille Grigie is particularly suited to an elegant seafood lunch, a relaxed country-house gathering or a carefully prepared Sunday lunch, where its aromatic depth and structural character can unfold alongside a succession of flavours.
It also offers an engaging alternative to more familiar white wine choices for a dinner centred on seasonal British ingredients, from coastal fish and shellfish to herb-roasted poultry and vegetable-led dishes.
For wine enthusiasts, a comparative tasting of Vermentino from the Colli di Luni provides an opportunity to explore how vineyard origin, soil diversity and individual winemaking interpretations contribute to distinctive expressions of the same grape.
Allow time between pours. Argille Grigie rewards attention, revealing nuances that deserve to be experienced gradually rather than hurriedly.

BEYOND* TASTING SUGGESTION

One grape. Two soils. A revealing contrast.
BEYOND* recommends exploring Argille Grigie alongside Argille Rosse from Il Monticello, served at the same temperature in identical glasses.
This comparative tasting offers a distinctive opportunity to investigate two interpretations of Colli di Luni Vermentino, observing differences in aromatic development, texture, structure and perceived minerality.
Begin by tasting Argille Grigie on its own, allowing its balsamic notes and savoury character to emerge. Then pair it with roast Cornish sea bass, rosemary-roasted new potatoes and a delicate lemon-butter dressing, a combination that brings together the freshness of British coastal cuisine and the aromatic character of the Mediterranean.
Return to the wine after each mouthful, observing how the interaction modifies the perception of freshness, herbal nuances and persistence.
For a second experience, repeat the tasting with a traditional Ligurian preparation, discovering how the same Vermentino responds to two distinct culinary cultures.

BEYOND* — Beyond matching wine with food lies a deeper connection: origin, ingredients and the character they reveal together.

DENOMINATION & PRODUCTION IDENTITY

Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC — Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
An officially recognised Italian wine denomination from the Province of La Spezia, Liguria, Italy. Produced exclusively from 100% Vermentino grapes, expressing the distinctive viticultural heritage and territorial identity of the Colli di Luni.

Organic Farming — Estate Vineyard Management
Il Monticello is recognised as an organically farmed estate by the official agricultural information service of the Liguria Region. Organic vineyard cultivation is an integral part of the Neri brothers' agricultural philosophy, focused on preserving natural balance and expressing the authentic character of their territory.

Biodynamic Practices — Vineyard Management Approach
The estate incorporates biodynamic practices into its vineyard management, as documented by specialised wine publications and industry materials. This approach places particular emphasis on soil vitality, vineyard equilibrium and natural growing cycles, supporting the expression of the estate's distinctive territorial identity.

FIVI — Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers
Il Monticello is documented among the participating producers at the FIVI Independent Winegrowers' Market in 2024, 2025 and 2026, Italy's national event dedicated to independent winegrowing and the diversity of its territorial expressions.

AWARDS, RATINGS & INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

2026 — DECANTER | International Editorial Recognition
Argille Grigie — Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC
Featured alongside Argille Rosse in Colli di Luni: A Wine Lover's Guide, published on 18 March 2026. The internationally renowned wine publication highlights the contrasting territorial expressions of Il Monticello's two Vermentino wines, emphasising the distinctive clay soils and the significance of geological diversity in shaping their identities.

2023 — CORRIERE DEL VINO | 93/100 — Excellent
Argille Grigie 2022 — Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC
Awarded 93/100 in a published critical tasting, with particular appreciation for its pronounced mineral expression, distinctive Mediterranean balsamic notes and remarkably persistent finish.

2023 — CORRIERE DEL VINO | 93/100 — Excellent
Argille Grigie 2021 — Colli di Luni Vermentino DOC
Awarded 93/100 in recognition of its expressive balsamic intensity, aromatic complexity and the distinctive character of this interpretation of Colli di Luni Vermentino.

2020 — VINIBUONI D'ITALIA | CORONA
Touring Club Italiano — Argille Grigie 2018
Awarded the prestigious Corona in the 2020 edition of Vinibuoni d'Italia, published by Touring Club Italiano. A particularly significant distinction for Argille Grigie 2018, its inaugural vintage, recognising the wine's quality and distinctive territorial identity from its very first release.