Sardinia

Question 1

Climate and Gen Info

Answer 1

Off the coast of Tuscany and south of Corsica.

Warm Mediterranean climate with low rainfall during the growing season. Adequate rainfall in parts of the island (i.e. northwest) but low in the southeast makes irrigation required.

Altitude (mostly hilly) is a cooling influence. Sites open to the sea are impacted by warm drying winds, but less susceptible to fungal disease.

Question 2

Grapes

Answer 2

Granacha Tinta: 29%
Vermentino: 16%
Carignano: 10%
Monica Nera: 7%
Nuragus: 7%
Sangiovese: 3%

Question 3

Cannonau

Answer 3

Sardinian for Grenache Noir

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC can be grown anywhere on the island with a more restricted Classico zone. Max 77hl/ha and 63 in Classico. Riserva aged two years, 6 mo in wood (12 mo for Classico). Good to very good and inexpensive to mid. Dry and sweet fortified also made. Sella & Mosca and Argiolas.

Question 4

Vermentino

Answer 4

AKA Rolle in So. France

Early budding (frost), prone to Downy mildew and European grape moth. Ripens mid season so less prone to rain.

Best on sunny exposed sites with poor soils.

Med lemon and acacia, with riper having tropical; light to med body, med alcohol, med plus acid. Good to very good and mid to prem.

Short period of skin contact (24 h); fermentation at cool in stainless to retain primary. Some very good aged on lees for 6 mo for fuller body. Aged in stainless.

Vermentino di Sardegna DOC: Anywhere on the island. 112hl/ha

Vermentino di Gallura DOCG: north east corner and only DOCG. 63hl/ha