Italy's second largest Island, Sardinia, is found of the west coast of the mainland closer to France than it is to Italy. Sardinia is home to crystal clear calm oceans with white sands and dramatic rocky landscapes. It has a Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and wet winters. Sardinia’s growing conditions and soils run the whole gamut, from the rocky arid northeast of Sardinia to the cooler terroirs of the Costa Smeralda on the east coast. Winegrowers can utilise an eclectic mix of granite, limestone and clay soils while the southwest of the island is known for its windswept sandy vineyards. Here bush vines dominate and the yields are kept naturally very low due to the dry, hot conditions.
Vermentino (white) and Cannonau (red) are the main varietals on the Island. Vermentino di Gallura is the Islands only wine of DOCG status. A classic Vermentino di Gallura DOCG is a dry white wine typically bright straw-yellow with a greenish tinge. The nose offers a delicate and refreshing bouquet of white blossoms. The palate retains this floral style, balanced out with a slightly bitter edge, zingy acidity and a hint of minerality. Cannonau DOC is Sardinia's version of Grenache or Garnacha, a deep coloured full bodied Red. Cannonau is a late-ripening grape variety, which is best suited to hot and dry conditions, and is characterised by a medium alcohol level, soft acidity and generous red fruit flavours (raspberry and strawberry) alongside subtle floral and white pepper spice notes. It may be produced as a single varietal wine or blended with other varieties to add body and fruit without tannins.
