Harvest time in Sardinia: join an amazing wine itinerary discovering the region's finest productions, a journey to enjoy stop by stop, sip by sip.
“All roads lead to Rome” they say, in memory of the imperial lustrums of the Eternal City. In Sardinia, instead, all roads seem to lead…to wine! The Sardinian folkloric and gastronomic tradition, valorised at its best by the program of Salude & Trigu promoted by Sassari's Chamber of Commerce, is particularly linked to wine, a symbol of cumbidu (invitation) and conviviality between sacred and profane. Just think that around 28,000 hectares of the island are now destined to viticulture.
It seems that the generous sun and the scented sea wind give Sardinian wines a particular magic, and each production area has different alchemies. So why not leaving together discovering Sardinia through a wine itinerary based on the best wine-themed dedicated events? Here are for you some ideas for a sommelier's journey in 10 stops discovering the best Sardinian wines. Let's start!
Sardinia wine itinerary: a journey through vineyards, wineries and authentic flavours
An unforgettable experience in Sardinia cannot do without a wine itinerary that will make you fall in love with this island, if you have not yet found enough motivation. Among vineyards overlooking the sea, historic wine cellars and charming villages, you can taste the best Sardinian wines and discover the authentic flavours of the island's cuisine, enhancing every combination and delighting palate and senses.
The Sardinian wine-growing tradition boasts no less than 17 DOC (Denominazione d'Origine Controllata) designations of origin and one DOCG (Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garantita), awarded to Vermentino di Gallura. These are all opportunities to discover the excellence of Sardinian wines that go well with the gastronomic tradition of an island with a strong and authentic character, rich in original raw materials appreciated all over the world. Our wine itinerary in Sardinia approaches the Salude & Trigu programme, which will introduce you to the main events organised in Northern Sardinia, to experience a holiday full of excitement and exciting events. It will be the perfect combination for your unforgettable moments in Sardinia... but first let's delight your palate with our Sardinia wine itinerary!
First stop of our Sardinia wine itinerary: Vermentino di Gallura in Olbia
The Sardinia wine itinerary begins with it, the prince of the sea, an iconic excellence produced only in the Northern area of the region: numerous times awarded Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, an ideal wine for summer. What's better than a glass of fresh white wine at sunset, sided by some nice fish delicacies? Choose it especially for the happy-hour. With its greenish and golden reflections and the intense floral scent, it is an amazing white wine to be paired with fish based dishes, such as seafood first courses, baked fish and citrus carpaccios; but trust us, it will amaze you even with sweet and delicate cheeses.
The best occasion to taste this authentic wine symbol of Sardinia? Our suggestion is to get a quikc trip to the splendid Olbia over the first week of October 2024 for two unmissbale themed-events: Benvenuto Vermentino, a real festival dedicated to tasting and music, and the Vermentino Literary Prize, with the award ceremony of an Italian narrative work dedicated to the wine-making activity and rural life among the vineyards.
Second stop: Monica di Sardegna from Sassari to Cagliari
Strolling from North to South around the villages and the wonderful landscapes of Sardinia, between food and wine festivals and tourist experiences capable of satisfying each tourist's wish, eventually will come the perfect time will for a carefree and tasty break. What could be better that toasting with a cheerful and undemanding wine? We're talking about Monica di Sardegna, a Sardinian wine less famous than the ones covered in this article, but surely noteworthy. The Monica vines seem to be found only in Sardinia and nowhere else around Italy, but...did you know that it came from Spain? I's not a case if it's also known with the nickname Monica di Spagna. Colored in purplish red, delicate and soft, it has scents of the undergrowth and some aftertaste like blackberry and cherry, with a slight hint of almond. It almost looks like a perfume to wear, so be careful with this sweetness: it could go to one's head!
The perfect companion for relaxing moments, sitting and chatting with friends on summer evenings, it's the ultimate wine to drink at fresh temperature for a special happy hour having pecorino cheese and salami, Sardinian fresh caciotta, or to match with a tasteful sausage sauce-based pasta or pork meat.
From the Festival of Zichi in Bonorva, a summer event that celebrates this extraordinary baked product typical of Sardinia perfect for serving in broth or as an accompaniment, to the Festival of Su Trinta ‘e Sant’Andria in Ozieri which instead celebrates new wine at the gates of winter and the Christmas holidays, you will have more than one good chance to taste this unique wine. And if you want an effervescent twist, try the sparkling version too: Monica di Sardegna Frizzante DOC.
Third stop: Cagnulari in Alghero
While waiting for a nice quality music concert of JazzAlguer, or while walking around the wonderful town of Alghero during the Saint Miquel celebrations, there's nothing better than a glass of Cagnulari for a divine pre-dinner in front of a tagliere of cold cuts, cheeses, jams and carasau bread. We're talking about an exceptionally pleasant wine, one of the most popular in North Sardinia with Vermentino that was already mentioned earlier, as it involves multiple sensations in its experiencing: for the taste it is well structured and balsamic, for the sight its bright red ruby color stands out, while for the smell it provides elegant sensations with its scent of wild berries.
Cagnulari is a gourmet wine perfect to match with traditional dishes, aged cheeses, red meats, but also snails based dishes - speaking about this, do you know Ciogghitta d'Oro? - and other Sardinian delicacies.
Fourth stop: Cannonau of North Sardinia in Usini, a chent'annos!
Probably the most famous of Sardinian wines, a must to be included in an travel itinerary discovering the finest wine in Sardinia. It is an ancient endemic vineyard of the island, of which grape seeds even dating back over 3200 years ago were found! Characterized by its deep red color with violet reflections and its intense and full-bodied taste, this wine was popularly acknowledged as a real elixir of long life that's always there (in moderate doses) in the diet of centenarians. Cannonau wine is changeable, depending on the production area: it varies from floral to liqueur, from hot to spicy…it is worth it tasting all its varities and we can tell you that there will be many opportunities to do it with the abundance of events dedicate to wine ithat you will find throughout Sardinia.
In particular, the perfect meeting point for lovers of this extraordinary wine in Northe Sardinia is Usini, a fascinating hidden gem just South of Sassari which has become famous for its wine production: in fact, between November and December the streets of the town are lit up with the magic and tradition of Ajò a Ippuntare, an event that best celebrates country life and the goodness of its products such as oil, bread, cheese, and obviously its majesty, the wine, where the Cannonau certainly acts as the protagonist. Let's toast with you too as Sardinians: a chent'annos!
Sardinia wine itinerary, fifth stop: Moscato of Romangia in Sorso and Sennori
If at the end of a rich lunch in a farmhouse you handled to find space for the delicious Sardinian desserts, for sure you will remember their flavor accompanied by that of a nice sip of Moscato. This passito wine, with a floral and sweetish aroma, blends perfectly with the confectionery tradition of Sardinia, rich in dried fruit, raisins and candied fruit.
This is a vine that loves the sunny hills kissed by the sea wind, such as those of Romangia or Gallura. In fact, the most famous varieties of Moscato are the ones produced in Tempio Pausania and especially in Sorso and Sennori ones: these two beautiful towns north of Sassari, are locations for unmissable events, such as Moscato DOC 52, celebrating the recognition of this wine as a local excellence.
Stop 6: Malvasia di Bosa, DOC excellence in Sardinia
We now move to the central-western part of Sardinia, where a DOC appellation produced from the grapes of an indigenous variety, Malvasia di Bosa, originates. It must have at least 95 per cent Malvasia di Sardegna grapes as its base, a restriction that makes it very special and valuable. It exists in a sweet version and in a liqueur version, like many other Sardinian wines. It is part of a millenary winemaking tradition and has a distinctive character due to the particular microclimate of its area of origin. Bosa is a characteristic medieval village nestled between the sea and the mountains: it is distinguished by its verdant hinterland, dotted with vineyards climbing the hills, which contrasts with the rugged cliffs and golden beaches.
The intense, enveloping aroma of this wine from Sardinia goes perfectly with many culinary delicacies, both Sardinian and of other origins. It is especially recommended for cheeses, but will be appreciated by any diner even for desserts and dry pastries: an ideal companion for all occasions that enhance the rich Sardinian gastronomic offering.
Seventh stop: Vernaccia di Oristano in the Sardinia wine itinerary
A little further south, we discover another Sardinian oenological jewel considered indigenous: Vernaccia di Oristano. This white wine, produced in the hinterland of Oristano, boasts a history stretching back thousands of years and a deep bond with the territory. It was recognised as a DOC wine in 1971 and was the first in Sardinia. It could not be missing from the itinerary of wines in Sardinia, as it reflects the strong and authoritative character of its inhabitants: robust, intense and dry flavour, elegant golden yellow colour and an alcoholic degree that is memorable.
If you are looking for a wine to savour in your relaxing hours, Vernaccia di Oristano will give you great satisfaction. If, on the other hand, you want to pair it with a more elaborate meal, you will be able to have a perfect match for every course. It has different nuances and is able to satisfy the most demanding palates.
Eighth stop: discovering Carignano del Sulcis
Our itinerary continues south, towards the warmest and sunniest lands of Sardinia, where Carignano del Sulcis expresses all its power and complexity. After the Mediterranean aromas of the whites, we plunge into a world of intense and structured reds, capable of ageing for many years. Its grapes ripen in the southernmost vineyards of Sardinia, included in the 18 municipalities authorised for its cultivation. This is the Sulcis area, which lies in front of the island of Sant'Antioco. It exists in rosé, novello and passito types, each with a particular ageing period.
It is not a light wine, it has the thickness typical of the fine wines of Sardinia, but compared to Cannonau it has a fresher and more delicate, enveloping and persistent flavour. It is perfect with robust traditional Sardinian dishes, such as grilled meats, mature cheeses and full-bodied soups, guaranteeing a unique sensory experience.
Bovale Sardo, an indigenous grape variety for the ninth stop
Our journey to discover Sardinia's finest wine takes us inland to the central part of the island, among hills that create an authentic and genuine atmosphere. Here, among the protagonists that bring out the Sardinian spirit, we find the indigenous Sardinian grape varieties that are finding increasing interest, due to the special character and authenticity of the raw material: Bovale sardo is the perfect example.
It has a characteristic ruby red colour and is a very full-bodied wine. It was used for a long time as a blending grape, used to give structure and colour to other wines. In recent years, however, it has been rediscovered and enhanced to bring out its unique identity and great potential, becoming one of the protagonists of Sardinian viticulture. In your tastings of Sardinian cuisine, we recommend pairing this wine with red meat dishes, roasts, game and mature cheeses. It is a wine that improves with age, remember this when you decide to taste it!
Tenth stop: Semidano in the Sardinian wine itinerary
The last stop on our itinerary ends with the discovery of Semidano, another indigenous Sardinian DOC wine. It is of excellent quality but its production is inconstant and occurs mainly in the central-western part of the island, an area to discover from coast to hinterland. These areas offer a unique tourist experience, combining the discovery of exceptional wine with the appreciation of the territory and local traditions.
It is ideal for enhancing seafood dishes, especially shellfish. Its aroma is fruity and floral. Its fresh and persistent flavour leaves a pleasant memory after tasting. Imagine tasting it while dining with a wonderful view of the Sardinian sea...it is a gem of Sardinian wine production that you cannot miss! All our suggestions for the Sardinia wine itinerary are ideally matched with typical Sardinian products, delicious delicacies to enjoy on your next trip...
We are at the end of this itinerary to discover the finest wine in Sardinia, exploring some of the key locations for winemaking from North to South across the island, and... yes, the wine routes are truly endless! Join a trip to Sardinia this autumn and don't miss the most beautiful autumnal events promoted by Salude & Trigu dedicated to wine, gastronomy and folklore of North Sardinia.
Throughout the season, the Island of the Four Moors will be celebrating the grape harvest, but we especially suggest you visit Sassari for a truly fantastic Sardinian food and wine experience: in December 2024 Weekend dei Gusti (Weekend of Tastes) returns, the appointment with the flavors of the city's street food perhaps in the company of a nice glass of wine. Choose your favorite one and enjoy the party (responsibly)!
