An island of ancient vines: a thousand-year-old wine heritage
Our selection of Sardinian red wines takes you on a fascinating journey through one of the oldest and most unique wine-producing regions in the Mediterranean. Sardinia, an island with extraordinary ampelographic biodiversity, is home to a heritage of native grape varieties that has its roots in the Nuragic and Phoenician civilisations and has survived over the centuries thanks to the island's geographical isolation and the tenacious preservation of local traditions. This rugged and generous land, shaped by the wind, sun and geologically complex soils ranging from granite to limestone, clay to coastal sands, has developed a unique viticulture capable of producing wines of great character and personality. The Mediterranean climate, tempered by sea currents and altitude in inland areas, creates ideal conditions for the ripening of grapes rich in aromatic and polyphenolic substances. Our collection showcases both the historic producers who have defined the identity of Sardinian appellations and the new generation of winemakers who are reinterpreting this heritage with a contemporary sensibility. Each bottle tells the story not only of a grape variety or a territory, but also of the millennial history of an island where viticulture has always represented not only an economic activity, but a fundamental element of cultural identity.
Cannonau: the Mediterranean in a bottle, between legend and longevity
The undisputed star of Sardinian winemaking is Cannonau, the island's signature grape variety, which, according to recent archaeobotanical studies, may be indigenous and not, as previously believed, a variety of Grenache imported by the Spanish rulers. The different expressions of this grape variety, selected for our collection, reflect the extraordinary variety of territories in which it is grown: from the more structured and warm Cannonau wines of Ogliastra and Nuoro, with their intense aromas of Mediterranean scrub, ripe red fruits, myrtle and spices, to the more elegant and fresh examples from the high-altitude vineyards of Gennargentu, where the influence of altitude confers greater aromatic finesse and acidity. Particular attention is paid to the Reserves of the best producers, wines of extraordinary longevity which, after years of ageing, develop fascinating tertiary notes of leather, tobacco and oriental spices. Our selection includes both traditional interpretations, with long macerations and ageing in large wooden barrels that respect the varietal identity, and more modern versions that focus on greater freshness and drinkability. Cannonau, in addition to its indisputable oenological value, is also famous for being considered one of the “wines of longevity”, thanks to its high content of polyphenols and antioxidants, a factor that has contributed to explaining the high percentage of centenarians in some areas of the island where moderate consumption of this wine is an integral part of the daily diet.
Carignano and Monica: treasures of the south and west
Alongside the celebrated Cannonau, our collection passionately explores the fascinating expressions of other great Sardinian red grape varieties. Carignano finds its ideal location in Sulcis, in the extreme south-west of the island, where it often grows ungrafted on the coastal sands that have protected the vines from phylloxera. Here it produces wines of extraordinary structure and complexity, characterised by an intense colour, velvety tannins and a bouquet that combines notes of dark fruits, Mediterranean spices and a characteristic savouriness conferred by the influence of the sea. The most representative expressions selected for our collection come from century-old vines, often trained as alberello, which give rise to wines of great concentration and ageing potential. Monica, another historic grape variety of Sardinian tradition, offers wines of medium structure and great elegance, with an aromatic profile dominated by notes of cherry, wild strawberry and delicate spicy nuances, supported by a freshness that makes them extremely versatile at the table. Our selection highlights the different territorial interpretations of this grape variety, from the most immediate and fruity versions to the more complex and structured expressions that demonstrate the unexpected evolutionary potential of this often underrated variety.
Native rarities: a treasure trove of biodiversity to explore
Sardinia's oenological wealth goes far beyond the three main grape varieties, and our collection enthusiastically explores the diverse world of other native varieties that represent a unique heritage of biodiversity. From Bovale Sardo (or Muristellu), which produces structured, tannic wines with intense notes of black fruits and spices, to Cagnulari, rediscovered and promoted mainly in the Sassari area, where it produces wines with intense colour and significant structure, with a fascinating aromatic profile of dark fruits, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes; from Nieddera dell'Oristanese, with its characteristic intense ruby colour and bouquet of red fruits and spices; to true rarities such as Girò, Nieddu Mannu and Caricagiola, vines that had almost disappeared but are now being recovered and promoted by a few enlightened producers. Our selection includes both pure interpretations of these extraordinary grape varieties and traditional blends that combine different varieties according to ancient local recipes, such as the classic “blending wines” that were once highly sought after to give colour and structure to the wines of the continent. There is no shortage of interesting experiments with blends that combine native grape varieties with international ones, creating wines with great personality that maintain a strong link with the territory while opening up to a more contemporary style.
From the coast to the mountains: a mosaic of territories
Sardinia's extraordinary geographical and pedoclimatic variety is reflected in the different territorial expressions of its red wines, which our collection showcases in all their nuances. From the heroic vineyards of Gallura, where the granite soils and strong sea winds give the wines unique minerality and savouriness; to the powerful and concentrated reds of Ogliastra and Barbagia, inland areas where the influence of the mountains guarantees ideal temperature variations for aromatic complexity; from the elegant expressions of Mandrolisai, with its traditional blends of Cannonau, Bovale and Monica representing one of the island's oldest winemaking traditions; to the warm and structured reds of Sulcis, where the marine influence and sandy soils create unique conditions for viticulture. Each bottle in our selection tells the story not only of a grape variety or production style, but also of the very essence of a territory where viticulture has developed over millennia as an authentic expression of local culture, creating a heritage of extraordinary richness that is now being promoted with renewed awareness of its quality. Sardinian reds are now one of the most authentic and still relatively unexplored expressions of the Italian wine scene, capable of surprising with their character, originality and excellent value for money, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to discover unique flavours that tell the story of one of the oldest wine-growing traditions in the Mediterranean.
