Wines of Sardinia

Explore the authentic flavors of Sardinia: discover its wines!

While Sardinia is renowned as one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, it is also renowned for its flavors. Sardinian cuisine is rich and diverse, with a wide array of ingredients and traditional dishes. But Sardinia is also well known for its excellent wine. Sardinian wine is one of the most popular throughout Italy and the world.

Sardinia is divided into four main provinces that 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 high-quality wines that are appreciated by all Italian wine lovers.

The main Sardinian grape varieties

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

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

The most famous Sardinian wines

One of the most famous Sardinian wines is Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. It is a white wine with a bold and complex flavor, with notes of ripe fruit, aromatic herbs, and lemon. It is a light, fresh, and fruity wine that pairs perfectly with fish dishes. Another famous Sardinian wine variety is Cannonau di Sardegna DOC. This grape is a Grenache variety native to southern 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 served with meat dishes or aged cheeses.

Where to buy Sardinian wines

Many Sardinian wines are readily available in Italian wine shops, but if you can't find what you're looking for, you can also order them online. There are many online shops offering quality Sardinian wines at affordable prices. If you'd like to sample a variety of Sardinian wines before deciding on a purchase, you can also visit a winery or enjoy a Sardinian wine tasting. These wineries are often open to the public and offer guided tours and Sardinian wine tastings.

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 here for centuries. Sardinian wines are rich in flavor, with notes of ripe fruit, spices, and other complex aromas that make them an excellent choice for a dinner or aperitif. If you're a wine lover, you can't miss the opportunity to taste Sardinian wines.

Sardinian Wine Denomination

Sardinia is an island with a long winemaking tradition. The region offers a climate favorable to grape growing, with mineral-rich soils and a diverse landscape that is home to numerous grape varieties.

The Sardinian wine appellation is a classification system that helps identify wines produced on the island based on their characteristics and terroir. In this article, we'll explore Sardinia's main wine appellations and their grape varieties, discovering the flavors and aromas that make these wines truly exceptional.

Introduction to wine production in Sardinia

Wine production in Sardinia dates back to ancient times, with traces of viticulture dating back to the Nuragic era. The island is characterized by a wide variety of microclimates, which allow the cultivation of many native grape varieties. Vineyards are often cultivated traditionally, on terraces or dry-cultivated, without the use of chemical pesticides. This makes Sardinian wines produced using artisanal and environmentally friendly methods.

The main wine denominations of Sardinia

Sardinian wine denominations are divided into four main categories: Controlled Designation of Origin ( DOC ), Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin ( DOCG ), Typical Geographical Indication ( IGT ), and Table Wines. Let's look at the characteristics of each in detail.

Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC)

The Controlled Designation of Origin ( DOC ) is a quality label awarded to wines that meet specific production criteria. These criteria concern the production area, the type of grape used, and the cultivation and winemaking methods. There are 20 DOCs in Sardinia, including Cannonau di Sardegna, Vermentino di Sardegna, and Monica di Sardegna.

Cannonau of Sardinia

Cannonau di Sardegna is one of the island's most famous wines. The grape used is Cannonau, a native variety that grows primarily in the Campidano area. The wine is characterized by a deep red color, a fruity aroma, and a dry, persistent flavor. It pairs perfectly with red meats and aged cheeses.

Vermentino from Sardinia

Vermentino di Sardegna is a fresh and fragrant white wine that pairs perfectly with fish and seafood dishes. The grape variety used is Vermentino, which grows primarily in the Gallura area.

Monica of Sardinia

Monica di Sardegna is a dry red wine, made from grapes of the eponymous grape, which grows primarily in the Campidano area. The wine has a ruby red color, a delicate aroma, and a smooth, fruity flavor. It pairs perfectly with white meat and fish dishes.

Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG)

The Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin ( DOCG ) is the highest expression of the quality of Italian wines. Sardinia has only one DOCG , Vermentino di Gallura. This dry white wine is produced in the Gallura area, in the northeast of the island, with Vermentino grapes. The wine has an intense straw yellow color, a complex aroma, and a fresh, persistent flavor. It pairs perfectly with fish, shellfish, and seafood.

Typical Geographical Indication (IGT)

The Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) identifies wines produced in a specific geographical area and possessing certain distinctive characteristics. In Sardinia, there are four IGTs: Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardegna, Tharros, and Colli del Limbara. IGT wines can be made 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 using artisanal methods. Among the best-known are Carignano del Sulcis and Nuragus di Cagliari.

In Sardinia, winemaking is a millennia-old tradition, passed down from generation to generation. Sardinian wine appellations help highlight the characteristics of this region and its grapes, allowing us to identify the island's most representative wines. From DOC to IGT, from white wines to reds, Sardinia offers a vast array of wines to discover and taste.

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FAQ

What are the native grape varieties of Sardinia?

Among the main native grape varieties 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 for Sardinian wines?

Sardinian red wines pair perfectly with red meats and mature cheeses, while 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 Cannonau grapes.

What is the difference between DOC and DOCG?

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