Cannonau, Sardegna's most characteristic vine, has been documented on the island since the late Middle Ages. Its historical territories are Ogliastra and Barbagia. In the north, Vermentino runs from Olbia to Alghero, and Sardegna holds 80 percent of Italy's Vermentino vineyard area. In Gallura, Vermentino grows among granite hills and marine breezes. Vermentino di Gallura DOCG comes from the historical Gallura region and requires at least 95 percent Vermentino.
Vernaccia di Oristano was Sardegna's first recognised denomination, established in 1971. It matures oxidatively for three to four years in partly empty oak or chestnut casks. Central Mandrolisai makes red and rosé wines from Bovale sardo, Cannonau and Monica. In the south-west, Carignano is concentrated in Sulcis between the mountains and the sea. Carignano del Sulcis DOC requires at least 85 percent Carignano.
Inside the region
6 named areas
Each guide keeps its place within Sardegna clear, with a direct route back to the map.
- 01Alghero & North-West Coast2 producersAlghero & North-West Coast includes the Alghero and Malvasia di Bosa appellations. The Alghero DOC extends inland from the coast as well as around the city.
- 02Cagliari & Southern CampidanoNo producers listed yetCagliari & Southern Campidano includes eight listed appellations, among them Cagliari, Monica di Sardegna, Cannonau di Sardegna and Vermentino di Sardegna. Monica is the most common red grape across southern Sardinia.
- 03Gallura & North-EastNo producers listed yetGallura & North-East includes Vermentino di Gallura and Moscato di Sorso. Granite hills and marine breezes are part of the local Vermentino landscape.
- 04Mandrolisai & Barbagia (Central Highlands)1 producerMandrolisai & Barbagia centres on the Mandrolisai appellation in the western Barbagie, around Atzara and Sorgono.
- 05Oristano & Campidano PlainNo producers listed yetOristano & Campidano Plain includes Vernaccia di Oristano, Campidano di Terralba, Arborea and Sardegna Semidano. Vernaccia matures oxidatively in partly empty oak or chestnut casks.
- 06Sulcis & Iglesiente (South-West)No producers listed yetSulcis & Iglesiente is home to the Carignano del Sulcis appellation. Its Carignano production sits between the south-western mountains and the sea.
Producer profiles
Producer profiles
Open the full directory when you want every producer currently placed in Sardegna.
- Cantina Santa Maria La PalmaLarge Sardinian cooperative near Alghero, founded in 1959 by 100 small farmers on reclaimed Nurra land.
- Cantina TeularjuFamily estate in Mamoiada, Barbagia, farming 8 hectares of Cannonau across four named single plots called Ghirada.
- Tenuta Sella & MoscaSardinia's largest wine estate, founded 1899 by a Piedmontese engineer and lawyer who reclaimed 520 hectares of scrubland at Alghero and built a workers' village that still stands inside the vineyard today.