Variety
WhiteFavorita
Also known as: Vermentino
Piedmont's alias for Vermentino – fresh, saline, light, with pear and almond blossom. The Roero's summer white.
Portrait
Favorita is a white variety of Piemont that was long confused with Ligurian Vermentino; in 1964 the Italian agriculture ministry classified it separately because of differences in buds, bunches and leaves. DNA analysis confirms a close relationship with Vermentino and Pigato. It is grown mainly in the Roero along the Tanaro and in the Langhe; acreage has declined in favour of Chardonnay and Arneis.
The vine has large berries, ripens late and retains plenty of acidity; it prefers sandy, calcareous soils and sunny slopes. The wines are pale and dry, with pronounced pear fruit, herbs and occasionally a saline note. Historically Favorita was also blended with Nebbiolo to soften its tannin.
Favorita goes with fish, seafood, vegetables and light starters and is drunk young.
Taste profile
Six axes — acidity, sweetness, body, tannin, aroma intensity and depth — on a 0–5 scale, based on typical style. Real wines vary by region and producer.
Typical aromas — Favorita
These 4 aromas typically define Favorita. Actual taste experience varies by region and style.
Pear
Lime
Salt
Almond blossom
Favorita aroma families
These aroma categories are characteristic of Favorita. Other varieties have different focuses.
Fruit aromas are the most common and come directly from the grape, ranging from citrus through stone fruit to black berries.
Floral aromas are especially marked in aromatic varieties like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Mineral notes are considered terroir-typical, emerging from soil, acidity and pH.
Key regions
Favorita is grown in the following regions of our atlas. Click to see wineries.
Wineries with Favorita
1 curated profiles in our atlas grow Favorita.
1 wineries