The grape varieties of the island
Our red grape varieties
Our two vineyards are home to the following typical Sardinian grape varieties:
Bovale
The Bovale Sardo vine is an example of the growing interest in native Sardinian vines, including Carignano, Monica, Cagnulari, but also and especially Bovale Sardo. In fact, since the 70s of the last century, interest has focused on the enormous amount of native Sardinian vines, and the grape that has been most convincing over time is undoubtedly Bovale Sardo. It is believed that Bovale Sardo is descended from the Spanish Bovale, in fact Sardinia was ruled around 1300 by the Aragonese, who brought different qualities of grapes, including Bovale, to the island. However, DNA analysis has shown that the “Muristellu” or Sardinian Bovale is clearly different from its Spanish “cousin”, which allows a complete reinterpretation of the history of this variety.
Bovale is located in all wine-growing regions of Sardinia, but the territory of choice lies in the land of Mandrolisai DOC, in the territory of Nuoro and especially in the territory of Campidano di Terralba DOC in the province of Oristano. Bovale is a grape variety that has experienced an extraordinary development in terms of quality over the last ten years, developing from a mixed grape or a little more to a variety with an excellent organoleptic profile. Many companies therefore begin to use Bovale both in purity and as a shoulder for Cannonau or international grape varieties. Bovale prefers hilly soils where the temperature range is higher, but also adapts to shallow and marine areas, where the salty air that whips on the vines all year round in Sardinia makes it unique in its kind and delivers wines of the highest quality and body. The most important oenological feature of Bovale is the very high polyphenolic charge, which results in very dark and tannin-containing wines, which were previously very difficult to drink due to the high alcohol and low acidity, but which are transformed by modern oenology into products of absolute interest.
Cannonau
The Cannonau is the most important red wine in Sardinia. With about 30 percent of the total Sardinian wine production, it is not only the one at the häufiDer Cannonau is the most important red wine in Sardinia. With about 30 percent of the total Sardinian wine production, it is not only the most produced wine, but also the wine that is associated with Sardinia more than any other. It is grown all over the island (on 7600 hectares), with a yield of about 90000 hectolitres. The center of cultivation is located in the mountainous inland, especially in the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra.
The Cannonau is recognized as Cannonau di Sardegna as DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). Subtitles are: Capo Ferrato (Province of Cagliari), Jerzu (Province of Oliastra) and Nepente di Oliena (Province of Nuoro).
The Cannonau is a cherry-to-ruby red, strong, sometimes heavy wine, which used to be very wild and rough. Today, it is usually tamed with modern cellar technology and oenological skill and is usually processed into round, well-structured, very good, sometimes even excellent wines. It is grown all over the island (on 7600 hectares), with a yield of about 90000 hectolitres. The center of cultivation is located in the mountainous inland, especially in the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra.
The Cannonau is recognized as Cannonau di Sardegna as DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). Subtitles are: Capo Ferrato (Province of Cagliari), Jerzu (Province of Oliastra) and Nepente di Oliena (Province of Nuoro).
The Cannonau is a cherry-to-ruby red, strong, sometimes heavy wine, which used to be very wild and rough. Today, it is usually tamed with modern cellar technology and oenological skill and is usually processed into round, well-structured, very good, sometimes even excellent drops.
Until now, it was assumed that the Cannonau vine was brought to the island by the Spanish in the 15th century. In the meantime, however, it seems almost certain that the Cannonau vine (as well as the vine of the Vernaccia di Oristano) originated in Sardinia more than 3000 years ago. This thesis is supported by several finds of grape kernels and their analyses. A detailed and thorough preparation of this topic can be found (unfortunately only in Italian) behind this link.
Carignano
It is also hot and dry in the Sulcis area, where the Carignano variety (identical to Carignan from the south of France) has spread and provides the best results. The cultivation area is located in the southwest of the island, about an hour’s drive from Cagliari. There are only a few winegrowers who produce decent Carignano del Sulcis. And they are then relatively rich in tanning and alcohol and are reminiscent of the Mirto di Sardegna, the Sardinian herbal liqueur from myrtle, as well as ripe plums. Two other typical Sardinian wines, which can be tasted locally and in this country in Sardinian Ristorantes, are the red Monica di Sardegna and the white Nuragus di Cagliari. They are simple, honest wines that can be enjoyed with the tasty dishes of the Sardinians.
Overall, relatively little wine is produced for a large island such as Sardinia. Most of it comes from cooperatives, which tend to be less ambitious. The best quality wines come from the Cantina di Santadi cooperative in Sulcis and from the private argiolas winery near Cagliari. Also very well known are the wines of the historic winery Sella & Mosca, which produces large quantities and has been well established in the foreign markets for decades. In addition, the wines of the large cooperative Santa Maria La Palma in the northwest of the island are known to many and there are some historical cooperative flag ships such as Cantina Dorgali or Jerzu in the center of Sardinia.
Monica di Sardegna
Monica – derived from the word “monk” – is also a widely used grape variety in Sardinia and this is also a red wine. It is autochton and therefore also a special feature of the island of Sardinia. The vine is grown throughout Sardinia, and the names Monica di Sardegna and Monica di Cagliari are a seal of quality that ensures minimum requirements for wine. Round, full and with the aroma of dark berries … this is how the Monica tastes, the color is relatively dark. Like the Cannonau, it goes well with strong food. Friends of a good drop enjoy it, of course, simply after dinner, on the terrace in the evening or with friends. As with the Cannonau, this red wine of Sardinia is described as “Riserva” for a storage period of two years garantiert.ro
The white grape varieties of the island
Vermentino
Eighty percent of the Italian Vermentino vineyards are located in Sardinia: together with the Cannonau, it is the most representative grape variety on the island. Most of the vines of the famous and high-quality vines extend in the north, from Olbia to Alghero, via Gallura, Monte Acuto, Logudoro, Anglona, Romangia and Nurra. The historical and famous white DOC and DOCG wine cellars are located not only in the two major cities (Olbia and Alghero), but also in Arzachena, Berchidda, Luogosanto, Monti, Santa Teresa Gallura, Sorso Sennori, Usini and Olmedo.
Nuragus
The Nuragus, a white wine, is also very common: it comes from an old vine, probably native and domesticated or imported by the Phoenicians. The vine is mainly grown in Marmilla, Sarcidano, Parteolla, Trexenta and Gerrei.
More
Other delicious products from northern Sardinia, especially from Sassarese and Nurra, are the Cagnulari, Torbato and Moscato. The Malvasia is a fine and exquisite wine that is typical of a small central-western area. You can enjoy it in different versions: from natural, dry or sweet to rare, dry or sweet liqueur. The way to its discovery leads through all the places of Montiferru and Planargia, from Cuglieri to Scano Montiferro, from Flussio to Modolo, from Sennariolo to Suni, from Tinnura to Tresnuraghes and Bosa, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, whose colourful houses stand on the hill at the top of the medieval castle of Serravalle and are reflected in the temo river. A little further south another “smaller” production: The Vernaccia is a native vine that has been cultivated since the Nuragic period. The most important wineries that produce the exquisite wine are located in Oristano, Cabras, Solarussa, Milis and Baratili San Pietro. In the area of Oristano you should not forget the wine cellars of the agricultural center par excellence: Arborea.