19.5 - Sardinia

Question 1

Describe the growing environment of Sardinia.

Answer 1

• Warm Med
• Low rainfall during growing season but adequate in north-west
• Altitude is key moderating factor

Question 2

Which two black French varieties are widely planted in Sardinia. Name any relevant wines law or viti/vin practices which apply?

Answer 2

Cannonau

• G.N
• good-VG
• high max yield
• Cannonau di Sardegna
• Classico (12mnths maturation) and Riserva (2yrs, 6mnths oak)

Carignano

• bush vines well suited to dry climate
• Superiore requires bush vines
• Carignano del Sulcis DOC
• Superiore and Riserva require two yrs of ageing

Question 3

Describe Vermentino. What kind of wine does it produce and with what winemaking techniques?

Answer 3

• Early bud spring frost
• Mid-rip less prone to autumn rain
• Prone to downy mildew and grapevine moth - which is more of an issue?
• Med intensity lemon *delicate*
• Med(+) acid, medium alcohol, medium body
• Most are gently pressed, short period on skins, cool-mid temp ferment in SST, short ageing on fine lees –> more lees for fuller body (6mnths)

Question 4

To what extent is there an improvement in quality between Vermentino di Sardegna DOC and Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?

Answer 4

max yield falls from 112 to 63