Sardinian wines

Sardinia boasts a wide range of excellent wines, many of which are sold with a D.O.C. label (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) or the quality mark D.O.C.G (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). Among the most highly regarded wines on the island are the full-bodied red Cannonau (dry, distinctive and with a high alcohol content) and the intensively aromatic white Vermentino (light and floral). The most widespread red grape varieties are the Carignano (aromatic, full-bodied, warm), Girò (sweet), Monica (floral and intense), Cagnulari (full-bodied, fruity and rounded), Pascale (rounded with full flavour) and the Bovale (dry). Looking at white grape varieties, alongside Vermentino we find Torbato (dry), Nuragus (dry and slightly sparkling) and Semidano (fresh and soft). There are some delicious dessert wines, too, including Moscato (sweet and full), Malvasia (dry and full-bodied), Nasco (dry and warm) and Vernaccia di Oristano, a full and very warm sherry-like wine. The best Sardinian wines are of course available in specialist wine and spirit stores and in supermarkets but also from the island's wine cooperatives (cantine sociali) and cellars (cantine). While you are exploring the island, you will also find farmers in many villages who produce their own cask wine.