A WINE LOVER'S GUIDE TO SARDINIA
Posted by Guidi Wines on
The Italian island of Sardinia, the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea, has become famous for being one of the places where people live longer than average. With its snow-white beaches, charming natural environment, good weather, delicious cuisine and unique local wines, it’s easy to see why people would want to stick around as long as possible.
When someone thinks of Sardinia, they automatically associate the island with dramatic beaches and pristine clear waters. In reality, there is still so much you can discover and appreciate about Sardinia.
The pace in Sardinia is slow. Give yourself time to get around, especially if you’re venturing off the beaten track: marvelous rewards lay at the end of those long and winding roads. From North to South Sardinia is full of stunning beauty and mysteries to be revealed.
Separated from Italy by language, culture, history and geography, this island has much to offer any hungry traveler searching for something a little less ordinary. Just take a look at the local gastronomy and wine production on the island, which is completely different from traditions and tastes you find in mainland Italy. The local wines and cuisine are unique in their own right and should not be underestimated for their flavor, aroma and charm.
Before you explore the island, map out a few restaurants and local specialty foods. Look for sea urchin, tuna, bottarga, Catalan-style lobster, artichokes, roast suckling pig and pecorino cheese as well as the dozens of village-based variations on pasta or the delightful desserts.
The wine region of Sardinia includes the vineyard area across the entire island. The island provides bright, fruit-filled red wines, surprisingly crisp white wines, and fortified dessert wines, similar in style to Sherry.
Wines produced in Sardinia retain their distinct, regional character and are largely consumed on the island.
The mild climate, sunshine, calcareous soils, salty air and mistral winds render the island's wines lovely and fragrant, strong and noble. You can discover them on tasting itineraries throughout the Island.
Cannonau and Vermentino are the most well-known grape varieties from the Sardinian wine region, which best represent the region's winemaking potential, but there are also several indigenous grape varieties found on the island such as Carignano, Bovale, Torbato, Semidano, Monica, Malvasia Bianca, Moscato, Nasco, and Nuragus. Sardinia is an exceptional grape-growing land with several undiscovered secrets.
We recommend six itineraries to discover some of the most typical Sardinian wines:
- Cannonau is the Sardinian number one red wine, one of the most famous and appreciated. The best ones are made in the East part of the island, in the municipalities of Jerzu, Tortolì, Oliena and Mamoiada.
- Vermentino is another great Sardinian wine: straw color, with a delicate aroma and dry flavor. You will find it throughout the island, but in the north east region of Gallura you will find the only Sardinian DOCG.
- Malvasia di Bosa. There are several varieties of this dessert wine. Bosa is a small and picturesque town in the province of Oristano, and a must-see when visiting Sardinia.
- Nasco di Cagliari. You can find it throughout the province of Cagliari. It’s a delicate white wine and excellent when paired with fish.
- Monica di Cagliari. A DOC wine made only in the provinces of Cagliari and Oristano. It’s a red wine: its aroma is both intense and delicate at the same time.
- Moscato. It’s made in every part of Sardinia, in particular in the provinces of Cagliari, Nuoro, Oristano and Sassari. It is a sweet, slightly bubbly and very famous white wine with a distinctive flavor.
Sardinia is the perfect destination for any wine enthusiast and these six Sardinian wines will surely be your best companions during your next holiday. Not to taste them would be a pity!
