Wines of Sardinia

Explore the authentic flavors of Sardinia: discover its wines!

While Sardinia is famous for being one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, it is also known for its flavours. Sardinian cuisine is rich and diverse, with a wide range of traditional ingredients and dishes. But Sardinia is also well known for its excellent wine. Sardinian wine is one of the most appreciated wines in all of Italy and throughout the world.

Sardinia is divided into four main provinces which produce quality wines. They are the province of Cagliari, the province of Oristano, the province of Nuoro and the province of Sassari. Each of these provinces produces wines of great quality that are appreciated by all Italian wine fans.

The main Sardinian vines

One of Sardinia's most famous grape varieties is Cannonau di Sardegna DOC . This grape variety is a variety of Grenache, a grape variety that is native to the south of France. Cannonau di Sardegna has a unique and intense flavor with notes of ripe red fruits, spices and vanilla. It is a powerful and intense red wine that is perfect to serve with meat dishes or aged cheeses.

Another grape variety that is produced in Sardinia is the Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. This varietal is a white wine that has a complex flavor with notes of ripe fruit, herbs and lemon. It is a light, fresh and fruity wine that goes perfectly with fish dishes.

The best known Sardinian wines

One of the best known Sardinian wines is Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. It is a white wine with a strong and complex flavour, with notes of ripe fruit, aromatic herbs and lemon. It is a light, fresh and fruity wine that goes perfectly with fish dishes. Another famous variety of Sardinian wine is the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC. This grape variety is a Grenache variety that is native to the south of France. Cannonau di Sardegna has a unique and intense flavor with notes of ripe red fruits, spices and vanilla. It is a powerful and intense red wine that is perfect to serve with meat dishes or aged cheeses.

Where to buy Sardinian wines

Many of Sardinia's wines are readily available in Italian wine stores, but if you can't find the ones you're looking for, you can also order them online. There are many online stores that offer quality Sardinian wines at affordable prices. If you want to taste a variety of Sardinian wines before deciding what to buy, you can also visit a Sardinian winery or wine tasting. These cellars are often open to the public and offer guided tours and tastings of Sardinian wines.

Why try Sardinian wines?

Sardinian wines are an excellent way to explore the authentic flavors of Sardinia and enjoy a unique tasting experience. Sardinia is a region rich in history and tradition and Sardinian wine has been produced for centuries. Sardinian wines are full of flavor, with notes of ripe fruit, spice and other complex notes that make them an excellent choice to accompany a dinner or an aperitif. If you are a wine lover, you cannot miss the chance to taste Sardinian wines.

Denomination Wines of Sardinia

Sardinia is an island that boasts a long winemaking tradition. The region offers a climate conducive to the cultivation of vines, with mineral-rich soils and a varied landscape that is home to numerous grape varieties.

The Sardinian wine denomination is a classification system that helps to identify the wines produced on the island based on their characteristics and their territory of origin. In this article we will explore the main wine denominations of Sardinia and their vines, discovering the flavors and aromas that make these bottles truly excellent.

Introduction to wine production in Sardinia

The production of wine in Sardinia dates back to antiquity, with traces of viticulture dating back to the Nuragic era. The island is characterized by a great variety of microclimates, which allow the cultivation of many native vines. The vineyards are often cultivated in the traditional way, on terraces or dry, without the use of chemical pesticides. This makes Sardinian wines produced according to artisanal and environmentally friendly methods.

The main wine denominations of Sardinia

The wine denominations of Sardinia are divided into four main categories: Denomination of Controlled Origin ( DOC ), Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin ( DOCG ), Typical Geographical Indication ( IGT ) and Table Wines. Let's see in detail the characteristics of each one.

Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC)

The denomination of controlled origin ( DOC ) is a quality mark assigned to wines that meet specific production criteria. These criteria concern the production area, the type of vine used, the cultivation and winemaking methods. In Sardinia there are 20 DOCs, among which Cannonau di Sardegna, Vermentino di Sardegna and Monica di Sardegna stand out.

Cannonau of Sardinia

Cannonau di Sardegna is one of the most famous wines of the island. The vine used is Cannonau, a native variety that grows mainly in the Campidano area. The wine is characterized by an intense red colour, a fruity aroma and a dry and persistent flavour. It goes perfectly with red meats and aged cheeses.

Vermentino of Sardinia

Vermentino di Sardegna is a fresh and fragrant white wine, which goes perfectly with fish and seafood dishes. The vine used is Vermentino, which grows mainly in the Gallura area.

Monica of Sardinia

Monica di Sardegna is a dry red wine, produced with grapes from the vine of the same name that grow mainly in the Campidano area. The wine has a ruby red colour, a delicate aroma and a soft and fruity flavour. It goes perfectly with white meat and fish dishes.

Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG)

The denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin ( DOCG ) is the maximum expression of the quality of Italian wines. In Sardinia there is only one DOCG , Vermentino di Gallura. This dry white wine is produced in the Gallura area, in the north-east of the island, with grapes from the Vermentino vine. The wine has an intense straw yellow colour, a complex aroma and a fresh and persistent flavour. It goes perfectly with fish, shellfish and seafood dishes.

Typical Geographical Indication (IGT)

The Typical Geographical Indication (IGT) identifies wines produced in a specific geographical area and which have some typical characteristics. In Sardinia there are four IGTs: Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardegna, Tharros and Colli del Limbara. IGT wines can be produced with international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Chardonnay, but also with native varieties.

Table wines

Table wines are wines produced in Sardinia that do not fall into the DOC , DOCG or IGT categories. Despite this, many of them are of the highest quality, produced with native grapes and according to traditional methods. Among the best known are the Carignano del Sulcis and the Nuragus of Cagliari.

In Sardinia, the production of wine is a millenary tradition, which has been handed down from generation to generation. The appellation wines of Sardinia helps to enhance the characteristics of this territory and its grapes, allowing to identify the most representative wines of the island. From DOC to IGT, from white wines to red wines, Sardinia offers a wide range of bottles to discover and taste.

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FAQs

What are the native vines of Sardinia?

Among the main native vines of Sardinia are Cannonau, Vermentino, Monica, Nuragus and Carignano.

How many DOC wines are there in Sardinia?

In Sardinia there are 20 DOC wines.

What are the main pairings of Sardinian wines?

The red wines of Sardinia go perfectly with red meats and aged cheeses, while the white wines are ideal with fish and seafood dishes.

What is the most famous Sardinian wine?

The most famous Sardinian wine is Cannonau di Sardegna, a red wine produced with grapes from the Cannonau vine.

What is the difference between DOC and DOCG?

The main difference between DOC and DOCG is that the latter guarantees a superior quality of wine, with even stricter production criteria and more frequent controls.