Sardinia (Sardegna) is a vast island off the west coast of Italy in the Mediterranean. Its open position has made it prone to invasion and subsequent settlement by many cultures through the centuries, with multicultural influences on its grapes and vineyard practices as a result. The first known inhabitants were an ancient tribe called the Nuraghi, who lived there some time around 1500 BC and built conical stone structures throughout the island, some 700 of which still exist. The Nuraghi were known to trade with the Phoenicians, but this alignment brought about an invasion from the Carthaginians who were fighting with Greece at the time. The Romans were next, then the Spanish, Visigoths, Byzantines, back to Spain, Austrians, French (Savoy), then finally in the 1800s it came into Italian hands and stayed there.
Despite its proximity to mainland Italy, perhaps due to settlement from so many outside cultures over the years, almost none of the more common Italian grapes such as
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Sardinia (Sardegna) is a vast island off the west coast of Italy in the Mediterranean. Its open position has made it prone to invasion and subsequent settlement by many cultures through the centuries, with multicultural influences on its grapes and vineyard practices as a result. The first known inhabitants were an ancient tribe called the Nuraghi, who lived there some time around 1500 BC and built conical stone structures throughout the island, some 700 of which still exist. The Nuraghi were known to trade with the Phoenicians, but this alignment brought about an invasion from the Carthaginians who were fighting with Greece at the time. The Romans were next, then the Spanish, Visigoths, Byzantines, back to Spain, Austrians, French (Savoy), then finally in the 1800s it came into Italian hands and stayed there.
Despite its proximity to mainland Italy, perhaps due to settlement from so many outside cultures over the years, almost none of the more common Italian grapes such as Sangiovese, Barbera, Montepulciano and Trebbiano are grown on Sardinia. Instead, there are a number of Spanish and French-influenced varietals, as well as indigenous ones. Popular reds are produced from Cannonau (the same grape as Grenache or Garnacha), Cariginano (you can guess what that is), Cabernet Sauvignon and Bobal. Indigenous reds are Semidano, Giro, Niederra and Monica (found in Monica di Sardegna DOC when as a varietal release).
Vermentino is the starring white of Sardinia, and is found in many DOCs and IGTs, especially in the island’s sole DOCG, Vermentino di Gallura. Other whites are produced from Vernaccia, Malvasia, Moscato, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, with indigenous varietals Nuragus (found in Nuragus di Caglliari DOC) and Nasco (found in Nasco di Cagliari DOC).
Moscato di Tempio DOC is a delicate, sweet dessert wine that has come into prominence of late. Torbato is a popular white Spanish grape that is produced in a crisp, dry single varietal wine as well as a white blend known as Terre Bianco (field white) and a brut spumante sparkling wine.
In all there are 21 DOCS in Sardinia, often with the grape in the title first, then the growing area. ~ Amanda Schuster
– Description from
Amanda Schuster
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