Sardinia

Question 1

Location of Sardinia

Answer 1

it’s an island off the coast of Tuscany and south of Corsica

Question 2

Climate

Answer 2

Warm Mediterranean - low rainfall during the growing season

Question 3

Cooling influences

Answer 3

1. Altitude; 2. Warm sea wind

Question 4

Main white grape varieties

Answer 4

Vermentino ( Rolle)

Question 5

Main Black grape varieties

Answer 5

Cannonau (Grenache Noir), Carignano (Carignan)

Question 6

Local white and black grape varieties

Answer 6

White: Nuragus; Black: Monica

Question 7

Vermentino PDO in Sardina

Answer 7

Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Vermentino di Gallura DOCG

Question 8

Vermentino di Sargegna DOC

Answer 8

Grapes can be grown anywhere on the island, maxi yields 112 hL/ha - low concentration and flavor

Question 9

Vermentino di Gallura DOCG

Answer 9

The north-east corner of the island, the only DOCG on the island, maxi 63 hL/ha, mini 95% Vermentino, mini 13% abv, it may be sold as Superiore

Question 10

Vermentino Grape variety characteristics

Answer 10

Early budding, mid-ripening, best grow on sunny, exposed sites with poor soils

Question 11

What kind of diseases are Vermentino prone to?

Answer 11

Downy Mildew, European grape moth

Question 12

Wine style of Vermentino

Answer 12

Intensity lemon and acacia aromas, with riper examples showing tropical fruit notes, light to medium body with medium alcohol and medium+ acidity

Question 13

Winemaking of Vermentino

Answer 13

Gentle pressing, a short period of skin contact (24 hours), fermentation at cool to mid-range temperatures in stainless steel to retain primary fruit, and a short period of aging (3-4 months) in neutral containers on the fine lees, some very good wines are aged on the lees for 6 months for a fuller body

Question 14

Cannonau PDO in Sardinia

Answer 14

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

Question 15

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

Answer 15

Can be grown in any part of the island, maxi yields 77 hL/ha - low concentration. Riserva: 6 months in wood, 2 years aging; Classico zone - maxi yields 63 hL/ha, 12 months in wood, 2 years aging

Question 16

Classic producers for Cannonau

Answer 16

Sella & Mosca, Argiolas

Question 17

Charasteristices of Carignano

Answer 17

Carignan in the South of France, is grown in the south-west corner of the island, a heat, and drought-resistant variety. It can thrive despite high summer temperatures, low rainfall, and drying winds from the sea - reducing fungal diseases. Low-fertility sandy soils - restrain natural vigor.

Question 18

Carignano PDO in Sardinia

Answer 18

Carignano del Sulcis DOC

Question 19

Carignano del Sulcis DOC

Answer 19

common for bush vine training, Superiore must be trained as a bush vine - suitable for the dry climate and restrain the natural vigor. Limited irrigation is permitted - allow vines to grow adequately in the period of fruit. Maxi yields: 77 hL/ha - low flavor concentration. Superiore maxi: 52.5 hL/ha

Question 20

Carignano winemaking

Answer 20

Inexpensive - warm fermentation, fermented and macerated on the skin for 7 -10 days and aged for 3-4 months in large neutral containers (cement, large oak casks). Mid-priced and premium red: macerated on the skins for around 15 days of warm fermentation temperatures for fuller extraction of color, flavor and tannins and aged in French oak barriques for 12-18 months. Superiore and Riserva - 2 years ageing.

Question 21

Classic producers for Carignano

Answer 21

Agricola Punica, Santadi