Sardegna: Appellations Flashcards
How many DOC/Gs are there in Sardegna?
- 1 DOCG
- 17 DOCs
The majority of these are varietally designated. Including 5 varietal, regional DOCs that cover the entire island.
The rest of the DOC/Gs can be geographically grouped by island location: north, center, south.
Name the regional appellations of Sardegna.
- Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
- Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
- Monica di Sardegna DOC
- Moscato di Sardegna DOC
- Sardegna Semidano DOC
Which is Sardegna’s flagship appellation for red wines?
Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
It can be produced anywhere across the island.
What are the characteristics of wines from Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
Wines are dry and range from light-bodied, fruity and easy-drinking to more powerful, structured, complex and age-worthy bottlings.
What are the grape requirements for wines labeled Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
- min. 85% Cannonau
- Bovale
- Carignano
- Pascale
Most wines are 100% Cannonau.
What are the requirements of riserva wines produced under Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
- min. 13% abv
- min. 2 years aging
- min. 6 months in wood (both small barrel or large botti are used)
Some of the finest and most complex examples are made w/in the riserva category, but high-caliber bottlings exist outside it and usually see oak as well.
A few producers use only stainless steel and/or cement.
What are the requirements of classico wines under Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
- produced in the Nuoro province or the Ogliastra sub-region
- min. 90% Cannonau
- lower max. yields
- higher min. alcohol (min. 13.5% vs. 12.5%)
- min. 2 years aging
- min. 1 year in wood
Name the 3 specific sub-zones within the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC.
- Nepente di Oliena (Oliena)
- Jerzu
- Capo Ferrato
These areas have historically delivered distinctive and long-lived expressions of Cannonau.
What styles of wine are produced under Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
- rosato
- passito
- liquoroso dolce
- liquoroso secco
- varietal Cannonau
What are the grape requirements of wines produced under Vermentino di Sardegna DOC?
Min. 85% Vermentino
Most bottlings are 100% Vermentino.
What are the characteristics of wines from Vermentino di Sardegna DOC?
The best examples show attractive aromas of citrus, wildflowers, tropical fruit and almond with mineral nuances.
The palate is rich and full with medium to high alcohol and is balanced by lively acidity.
Although still and dry, the wine can be produced in other styles.
What styles of wine are produced in Vermentino di Sardegna DOC?
- amabile
- frizzante
- spumante
- varietal Vermentino
What are the grape requirements for wines from Monica di Sardegna DOC?
- min. 85% Monica
- Bovale
- Carignano
Many examples are 100% Monica.
What are the characteristics of wines produced under Monica di Sardegna DOC?
Fresh aromas of blackberry and cherry, red berry jam, Mediterranean scrub and spice. It has a soft and round palate with medium to high alcohol and fresh acidity.
What are the production requirements for Monica di Sardegna DOC wines?
- min. 12.5% abv
- cannot be released before Sept. 1st of the year following harvest
What styles of wine are produced under Monica di Sardegna DOC?
- frizzante
- superiore
- varietal Monica
What grapes and styles of wine are produced under Moscato di Sardegna DOC?
Wines must be crafted from min. 90% Moscato Bianco and are finished sweet.
Styles:
* spumante
* da uve stramature (late harvest)
* passito
* varietal Moscato Bianco
Which is the only appellation specifically dedicated to the production of the rare, native white grape, Semidano?
Sardegna Semidano DOC
Bottlings must include min. 85% Semidano.
Mogoro is an official sub-zone.
What styles of wine are produced under Sardegna Semidano DOC?
- spumante
- superiore
- passito
- varietal Semidano
Name the appellations of Northern Sardegna.
- Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
- Alghero DOC
- Moscato di Sorso-Sennori DOC
Which appellation is Sardegna’s only DOCG?
Vermentino di Gallura DOCG
It is also the principal appellation for Vermentino in terms of quality and total volume of wine.
Where is Vermentino di Gallura DOCG located?
This appellation covers roughly the historic and geographic sub-region of Gallura in the northeast part of Sardegna. This area now lies within the modern-day province of Sassari.
How does the climate vary across the rugged landscape of Gallura?
The coast has a typical Mediterranean climate matched with typical Mediterranean vegetaion.
Areas further inland experience continental influence and greater diurnal temperature swings, thanks to increased elevation, and are characterized by oak forests and olive groves. The vineyards range in elevation from just above sea level to 1,650ft/500m.
What types of soils are found in Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?
The sub-soil is largely composed of grey and pink granite.
The top-soil consists of poor and acidic granitic sands - decomposed granite.
What type of soil is ideal for growing Vermentino?
Granite is the ideal soil type for this grape variety as it naturally restricts its yields. Unfortunately, this soil type has limited water-holding capacity, making irrigation a necessity during hot and dry spells.
What are the grape requirements for Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?
- min. 95% Vermentino
Almost all bottlings are 100% Vermentino.
What are the requirements for the superiore version of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?
- lower max. yields
- min. 13% abv
What type of vessel is used in the vinification of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?
Usually stainless steel.
A few producers also adopt oak barrels.
What are the characteristics of wines from Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?
These wines vary from intensely fruity and rich to more mineral-driven bottlings. They are intense, with distinct aromas of flowers, citrus, ripe white and yellow fruit, aromatic herbs, Mediterranean scrub and flint/mineral. The palate is rich and full-bodied with high alcohol and refreshing acidity.
The best examples are often described as being “granitic” with briny-salty nuances.
What styles of wine are produced under Vermentino di Gallura DOCG?
- frizzante
- spumante
- amabile
- vendemmia tardiva
- passito
- varietal Vermentino
Where is the majority of Italian cork (sughero) produced?
Production is predominantly concentrated in Sardegna, specifically in Gallura. This sub-region boasts large cork-oak (quercus suber) forests.
After Portugal and Spain, Italy is (at a distance) the 3rd largest producer of cork.
Which appellation is the only one in Sardegna that allows for the use of international varieties?
Alghero DOC
International wines may be used as varietal wines or as the backbone of blends.
Name the international varieties grown in Alghero DOC.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Where is Alghero DOC located?
On the alluvial coastal plains and low hills around the town of Alghero in the province of Sassari, situated in the northwest corner of Sardegna.
Alghero DOC is the only DOC that produces which two varietals?
- Cagnulari
- Torbato: a rare white grape, used to produce dry & sparkling wines.
What are the characteristics of wines produced from Torbato?
Subtle aromas of wildflowers, herbs, apple and pear with fresh acidity.
What styles of wine are produced in Alghero DOC?
- frizzante
- spumante
- bianco
- rosato
- rosso
- riserva
- novello
- passito
- liquoroso
- varietal wines
Note: Alghero Rosso, Alghero Bianco and Alghero Rosato can be based on any grape allowed in the region, including international varieties.
Where is Moscato di Sorso-Sennori DOC located?
The small, coastal DOC is in northwest Sardegna and faces the Gulf of Asinara.
What grapes are used to produce wines in Moscato di Sorso-Sennori DOC?
Sweet wines from:
* Moscato Bianco
What styles of wine are produced in Moscato di Sorso-Sennori DOC?
- spumante
- bianco
- passito
- liquoroso
Name the appellations of Central-South Sardegna.
- Carignano del Sulcis DOC
- Vernaccia di Oristano DOC
- Malvasia di Bosa DOC
- Mandrolisai DOC
- Nuragus di Cagliari DOC
- Nasco di Cagliari DOC
- Giro di Cagliari DOC
Minor appellations:
* Campidano di Terralba (Terralba) DOC
* Cagliari DOC
* Arborea DOC
Where is Carignano del Sulcis DOC located?
This appellation lies in the southwest corner of the Sardegna in the geographic sub-region of Sulcis.
How does Carignano del Sulcis DOC compare to the wines of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?
Carignano del Sulcis DOC produces Sardegna’s most distinctive red wines.
But, it cannot compete with Cannonau di Sardegna DOC volumetrically, who produces 4 times as much wine.
What is the moderating factor in Carignano del Sulcis DOC for the hot and arid summers?
The frequent maestrale (mistral).
Where in Carignano del Sulcis DOC are most vineyards planted?
In the coastal areas, on medium-elevation (up ot 950ft/300m) inland hills and on the island of Sant’Antioco.
What are the soil types found in Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
Soils near the sea and on the islands are high in sand content.
Inland soils are a clay/sand mix.
Although the loose sandy soils have poor water-holding capacity, they have kept phylloxera at bay. Very old and ungrafted alberello vines are common, particularly on the two islands and in coastal areas of the mainland.
What vine training system is used in Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
Albarello
How is it that Carignano excels in Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
This grape curtails yields and produces quality fruit:
* withstands the strong winds
* receives all the heat it needs to fully ripen
* old vines
* poor, sandy soils
What are the grape requirements for Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
- Min. 85% Carignano
- Bovale is traditional blending partner
Most wines are 100% Carignano.
What is the requirement of superiore wines from Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
Must be made from vineyards exclusively trained by alberello.
What are the aging requirements of superiore & riserva wines from Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
Superiore & Riserva:
* min. 2 years aging
* min. 6 months in bottle
What vessels are used for maturing wines in Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
Both small, oak barrels and larger casks.
What styles of wine are produced in Carignano del Sulcis DOC?
- rosato
- novello
- passito
- varietal Carignano
Which appellation was Sardegna’s first DOC?
Vernaccia di Oristano DOC
It has a very long heritage and remains a point of pride for the island. Although very little is produced today.
Where is Vernaccia di Oristano DOC located?
In a central area on the west coast of Sardegna. It surrounds Stagno di Cabras (Cabras Pond). Part of it juts out into the Mar di Sardegna (Sardinian Sea).
Where in Vernaccia di Oristano DOC are the vineyards planted?
Predominantly in sandy clays of the alluvial plain along the Tirso River.
What types of soils are found in Vernaccia di Oristano DOC?
- sandy clays
- alluvial plain
What are the requirements for wines produced in Vernaccia di Oristano DOC?
- 100% Vernaccia di Oristano
- min. 15% abv
How are Vernaccia di Oristano DOC wines produced?
During March of the year following harvest, the wine is transferred to chestnut or oak barrels that are filled to no more than 80% of their volume. By law, the wine must remain in these partially filled barrels for at least 2 years, though in practice most are kept for 3-4 years.
The barrels are stored in cellars where a layer of film yeast (flor) forms on the surface of the wine and metabolizes alcohol and acids, producing aldehydes such as acetaldehyde - the compound responsible for the characteristic “sherry” aroma.
What is the importance of cellars in the production of Vernaccia di Oristano DOC?
These cellars play a fundamental role and must be very well-ventilated in order for the wine to be subjected to seasonal temperature fluctuations.
In Vernaccia di Oristano DOC how does flor develop in barrel?
Oxygen promotes the development of flor. Yeasts initially form small islands that gradually increase in thickness and size until they cover the entire wine surface.
The speed and formation of the flor is critical to wine quality. Ideally, flor should develop quickly, thickly and compactly.
In Vernaccia di Oristano DOC, what does the yeast do in the barrels?
In the barrel, the flor protects the wine underneath it and allows for controlled oxidation.
Although yeasts consume some of the alcohol in the wine, water evaporates through the wood at a higher rate resulting in an overall increase of the final alcohol content during the aging period (about 0.5-0.5% per year). Wines that remain in wood for 10 or more years can even achieve alcohol levels of 20% abv.
How are the most complex examples of Vernaccia di Oristano DOC produced?
These wines are left in barrels for even longer periods than the standard 3-4 years, sometimes up to a decade or more. They employ a fractional blending and admixing method known as the solera system.
Which wines of Vernaccia di Oristano DOC are the most distinctive?
- superiore
- riserva
What are the requirements of superiore & riserva wines from Vernaccia di Oristano DOC?
Superiore:
* min. 15.5% abv
* min. 3 years of barrel maturation
Riserva:
* min. 4 years barrel maturation
* min. 15.5% abv
What are the characteristics of Vernaccia di Oristano DOC wines?
This is a complex and very long-lived wine.
It is golden-amber in colour and is defined by distinctive aromas of bitter honey, toasted nuts, dried fruit, aromatic herbs, citrus peel, sweet spices and almond with a briny-balsamic note.
The palate is dry and high in alcohol (15-16.5% abv) but balanced by a refreshing and long, persistent finish.
How does Vernaccia di Oristano DOC differ from sherry?
This wine is not fortified.
What is Bottarga?
A Sardinian delicacy of salted, cured fish roe from flathead grey mullet. The area around the Pond of Cabras produces some of the best.
Vernaccia di Oristano DOC is considered one of the best wines to pair with intensely flavoured bottarga-based dishes. Marsala also particularly pairs well.
What styles of wine are produced in Vernaccia di Oristano DOC?
- liquoroso
- varietal Vernaccia di Orisccccctano
Where is Malvasia di Bosa DOC located?
This tiny appellation is found in the west-central coast of Sardegna. Malvasia has historically excelled in this small corner of Sardegna.
When did Malvasia di Bosa achieve DOC status?
1972
How big is wine production in Malvasia di Bosa DOC?
It is even smaller than that of Vernaccia di Oristano and the wines are even more difficult to find.
Where in Malvasia di Bosa DOC are vineyards planted?
In tiny valleys and along low coastal hills (max. 1,000ft/300m elevation) and are buffeted by sea breezes.
What types of soils are found in Malvasia di Bosa DOC?
White, calcareous soils, rich in marine fossils. Resting atop volcanic sub-soils.
What are the grape and alcohol requirements for wines from Malvasia di Bosa DOC?
- min. 95% Malvasia di Sardegna
- min. 13% abv
What sweetness levels are Malvasia di Bosa DOC produced in?
- Medium-sweet
- Sweet
What vessels are used in the production of Malvasia di Bosa DOC?
- vinified in stainless steel
- does not undergo ageing
What are the requirements for Riserva wines from Malvasia di Bosa DOC?
Riserva:
* min. 15.5% abv
* min. 2 year ageing
* min. 1 year in wood
It can be dry or sweet, but most tend to be dry or slightly off-dry.
What is the most classic and compelling style of Malvasia di Bosa DOC as exemplified by the iconic producer, Colombu?
Riserva
What process is sometimes practiced in Malvasia di Bosa DOC although it is not a stipulation of the disciplinaire?
In some cases, the wine barrels are not filled completely in order to promote the development of flor.
This process produces a very complex, age-worthy and more oxidative style of Malvasia di Bosa.
What are the characteristics of wines from Malvasia di Bosa DOC that are produced with flor?
Yellow-golden in colour with amber highlights.
It has intense aromas of dried fruit, hay, honey, spices, toasted almond, and Mediterranean scrub coupled with the tang of salty-brine.
It is high in alcohol (16-17% abv), but well-balanced by acidity and mineralty.
What styles of wine are produced in Malvasia di Bosa DOC?
- spumante
- passito
- varietal Malvasia di Sardegna
Where is Mandrolisai DOC located?
This small historic sub-region sits right in the center of Sardegna in a hilly and mountainous area.
What grapes are used to produce wine in Mandrolisai DOC?
Red blend based on:
* min. 35% Bovale
* complemented with Cannonau
* and Monica
What styles of wine are produced in Mandrolisai DOC?
- rosso
- superiore
- rosato
Where is Nuragus di Cagliari DOC located?
This appellation occupies a very large area corresponding to most of central and southern Sardegna.
What grapes are used to produce wines in Nuragus di Cagliari DOC?
Crisp, fruity wines are based on:
* min. 85% Narugus
What styles of wine are produced in Nuragus di Cagliari DOC?
- frizzante
- varietal Narugus
Where is Nasco di Cagliari DOC located?
This appellation covers almost the same area as the Nuragus di Cagliari DOC in central & southern Sardegna.
What grapes are used to produce wines in Nasco di Cagliari DOC?
White wine based on the white grape: Nasco.
What is the dominant wine style in Nasco di Cagliari DOC?
Dry
What styles of wine are produced in Nasco di Cagliari DOC?
- liquoroso
- liquoroso riserva
- varietal Nasco
Where is Giro di Cagliari DOC located?
This appellation is almost entirely corresponds to the Nuragus di Cagliari DOC and covers the same area as Nasco di Cagliari DOC.
What grapes are used to produce wines from Giro di Cagliari DOC?
100% Giro
What are the prominent wine styles produced in Giro di Cagliari DOC?
- sweet
- medium-sweet
Note: the disciplinare allows for dry versions as well.
What styles of wine are produced in Giro di Cagliari DOC?
- liquoroso
- liquoroso riserva
- varietal Giro
What grapes does Campidano di Terralba DOC use to produce wines?
This appellation focuses entirely on varietal wines from both Bovale varieties.
* Bovale Sardo (Bovaleddu or simply Bovale)
* Bovale Grande (Bovale di Spagna)
What styles of wine are produced in Campidano di Terralba DOC?
- superiore
- riserva
- varietal Bovale
What area does the Cagliari DOC cover?
This appellation occupies a large part of central & southern Sardegna.
What grapes are used to produce wines in Cagliari DOC?
Varietal wines:
* Malvasia di Sardegna
* Monica
* Moscato Bianco
* Vermentino
Which wines from Cagliari DOC are of particular renown?
Sweet wines made from:
* Moscato Bianco
* Malvasia di Sardegna
What styles of wine are produced in Cagliari DOC?
- spumante
- riserva
- superiore
- varietal
Where is Arborea DOC located?
Within the province of Oristano, situated by the central-western coast of Sardegna.
What grapes are used to produce wines from Arborea DOC?
2 varietal wines:
* Trebbiano (Romagnolo and/or Toscano)
* Sangiovese
What styles of wine are produced in Arborea DOC?
- frizzante
- rosato
- varietal
Name the important IGTs of Sardegna.
- Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
- Colli del Limbara IGT
- Romangia IGT
- Valle del Tirso IGT
Which is the most important IGT of Sardegna?
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
Many of Sardegna’s quality wines, including some of the island’s best, are produced under this designation.
What grapes/wines are produced under Isola dei Nuraghi IGT?
Varietals & blends made from:
* Cannonau
* Carignano
* Bovale
* Cagnulari
* Vermentino
Sweet desert wines based on:
* Nasco
