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Vitiano Verdicchio Vermentino 2008 Impresses at Il Fornaio
A chance encounter with an Italian white wine leads to a delightful Sunday lunch pairing.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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While dining at the reliable Il Fornaio restaurant in Beverly Hills, the author was hoping to find a glass of Vermentino on the wine list. When that wasn't available, the bartender suggested trying the Vitiano Verdicchio Vermentino 2008 - a 50/50 blend of the two Italian white grape varieties. The author was pleasantly surprised by the wine's beautiful golden color, mineral-laden nose, and lush, mouth-filling flavor profile that balanced crispness and softness.
Why it matters
The story highlights how being open to trying something new, even if it's not exactly what you had in mind, can lead to a serendipitous and delightful discovery. It also speaks to the strength of the Italian wine program at a reliable restaurant like Il Fornaio, which was able to provide an excellent alternative when the author's first choice was unavailable.
The details
When the author didn't see a Vermentino on the wine list at Il Fornaio, they approached the bartender who was already holding an open bottle of wine. The bartender suggested trying the Vitiano Verdicchio Vermentino 2008, a 50/50 blend of the two Italian white grape varieties. The author was impressed by the wine's beautiful golden color, mineral-laden nose with notes of citrus and honeyed pears, and its lush, mouth-filling flavor profile that balanced crispness and softness.
- The author visited Il Fornaio for Sunday lunch.
The players
Il Fornaio
A reliable Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills, California that has a strong wine program.
Vitiano Verdicchio Vermentino 2008
A 50/50 blend of the Verdicchio and Vermentino Italian white grape varieties that the author tried and enjoyed at Il Fornaio.
What they’re saying
“How about this one?”
— Bartender (nowandzin.com)
The takeaway
This story shows that being open to trying something new, even if it's not exactly what you had in mind, can lead to a delightful and unexpected discovery. It also highlights the strength of the wine program at a reliable restaurant like Il Fornaio, which was able to provide an excellent alternative when the author's first choice was unavailable.
