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Sardinia: White Wines

Written By: Dylan York on Thursday, February 7, 2008

Great White Wines of Sardinia and their Spanish relatives

After getting a little inspiration from my new favorite wine bar here on the island, I have decided to start my studies with Italy. After drinking two outstanding wines from Sardinia (Sardegna), 2004 Santadi Rocca Rubia Riserva and 2006 Argiolas "Is Argiolas" Vermintino I decided to start with the islands and work my way inland. I think the reason I enjoy Sardinian wines so much is because they remind me of Spanish wines.

The link between Spain and Sardinia actually began in the thirtieth century and remains a big part of the culture today. Sardinia was once the home to many Catalan nobles, so the Spanish roots are very deep. Most of the grape varietals used in Sardinia can also be found in the Catalan regions of Spain. Grapes like Malvasia, Moscato, Carignan, Grenache, and Monastrell are used in Sardinia, but they go by different names. Sardinia has one DOCG and nineteen DOCs. I will start by telling you about a few of the great white wines and in the next article discuss some of the reds.

Just in case you may not know, DOCG is the highest classification of Italian wine and DOC is the next step down. This system is similar to France's AOC and AC classifications. (All of these are abbreviations for incredibly long words that you should never have to say, even if you are from there)

The most recent addition to DOCG status is Vermintino di Gallura. It was given DOC status in 1975 and promoted in 1996. Vermintino is a white grape that produces straw-colored, crisp, highly aromatic wines. The grape actually comes from Spain and appeared on the island around the late 19th century at the northeast tip of the island. Look around for Tenuta di Capichera, a great producer of Vermintino di Gallura.

Vermintino is also grown in other parts of the island so in 1995 a DOC was created for those making the wine outside of Gallura. The Is Argiolas that I had falls under this DOC. The only difference is that the DOCG can blend 5% of other varietals and the DOC can blend up the 15%. After that it really comes down to the producer and vintage quality.

Sardinia's most popular white varietal is Nuragus di Cagliari DOC. This grape is thought to have been brought by the Phoenicians in 12 BC. The grape is thought to be named after the large stone towers that are all over the island called Nuraghis. The wine is light and crisp with citrus and honey qualities. They drink best when they are young. Argiolas also makes a great wine from this varietal.

One of the most interesting white wines that I learned about was Vernaccia di Oristano DOC. Oristano is located on the West Coast of the island and the soil here seems to be the only type suited for the grape. Growers have tried to transplant this varietal to other areas but have been unsuccessful. The Alluvial plains and river beds seem to host the varietal the best. There are 9 different wines made from this varietal ranging from dry still wines to fortified Riserva wines that are aged up to four years before release. Though I have never tried any of them I would love to. Please feel free to comment on this blog if any of you have actually had a wine from this area, I would be very interested to see what you think.

The next article will discuss some of the great reds that Sardinia is known for. Enjoy tasting!

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Wines Featured In Sardinia: White Wines

Argiolas 2006 Vermentino (is)
Region: Europe > Italy > Sardinia

  

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