Sardinia

Question 1

What is the sole DOCG of Sardinia?

Answer 1

Vermentino di Gallura DOCG

Question 2

Describe Vermentino di Gallura DOCG

Answer 2

Vermentino di Gallura is the island’s sole DOCG zone. At the extreme north end of Sardinia, Gallura is a hot, high-elevation zone with poor, rocky, granitic soils—a paramount requirement for keeping the Vermentino grape’s vigorous ambitions at bay. Here, Vermentino produces aromatic and rich wines and may see oak influence, although fresher styles are more common. To be labeled superiore, the wines must show a minimum 13% alcohol instead of the base 12% required for the DOCG.

Question 3

What is the prominent red grape of Sardinia?

Answer 3

Cannonau, the island’s premier red grape, is often rustic and spicy, with a fuller body than its color would indicate—premature oxidation is especially virulent in Sardinia’s Grenache. Cannonau di Sardegna DOC covers the entire island, and is divided into three subzones: Oliena, Jerzu, and Capo Ferrato

Question 4

Give an overview of Sardinia

Answer 4

South of Corsica, the island of Sardinia owes a great debt to Spanish grape varietals. Cannonau (Garnacha, or Grenache) and Carignano (Cariñena, or Carignan) are the dominant red varietals, and the island’s dominant white grape, Vermentino, is likely of Spanish origin. These grapes were likely introduced to the island during a period of general cultural assimilation, as the Spanish Kingdom of Aragon ruled Sardinia until the early 1700s, for a period of nearly 400 years. The island’s wines easily reach high alcohol levels in the dry, hot Mediterranean climate; some historic styles, such as the rare Malvasia di Bosa DOC and Vernaccia di Oristano DOC, may even be fortified and produced in a style reminiscent of Spanish sherries

Question 5

Give six grapes grpown in Sardinia

Answer 5

Albaranzeuli bianco
    Albaranzeuli nero
    Arvesiniadu
    Barbera Sarda
    Bovale
    Cannonau (Grenache)
    Girò
    Greco nero
    Malvasia
    Monica
    Moscato
    Nasco
    Nuragus
    Pascale di Cagliari
    Vermentino
    Vernaccia di Oristano