Italian "V"s

[winophite]

Hi, I've been reading through some aged posts on wine/food thread dealing with alfredo...I'm wondering about the Italian V's; Vermentino, Verdicchio and Vernaccia. My first guess is these are names of grape varietals, but I've also started reading "French wine for Dummies" which makes me wonder if perhaps these names are for towns or communes similarly to as the French name their wines. Lastly, any widely available producers to look for(under $25).
Thanks. WP

[hotwine]

Those are indeed the names of grape varieties. Google the three just as you listed them (Vermentino, Verdicchio and Vernaccia) and you'll turn up lots of useful info. Also see the Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine. Have no eye-dee 'bout producers.

[winophite]

Thanks, I'm glad you suggested a Google search, (which I've seldom used). For some reason I was assuming these to be red wines, probably for the same reason I think of red sauce when I think of Italian food. Now to go find a bottle and taste some! One article suggested it's hard to pick a "bad" one of these, as most Italian producers are reliable. It appears that these are usually consumed within a year or so of release (like most whites)rather than to be aged. Thanks again. WP

[Thomas]

You should be able to locate Argiolas Vermentino. Nice wine.

[winophite]

I'll be looking for it.
Thanks, WP