Strictly Sardinia: “Wines and Wineries of Sardinia”

Host: Claudia Tavani
Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

Claudia Tavani, a Sardinian local and travel blogger, dedicates this episode to introducing listeners to the rich world of Sardinian wines and wineries. Drawing on her heritage and personal favorites, Claudia unpacks the island’s most iconic grape varietals, shares details of standout wineries, and offers practical recommendations for wine-tasting experiences. This episode is geared towards travelers interested in exploring Sardinia through its wine traditions or anyone curious about regional Italian varietals.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Introduction to Sardinian Wines

• Wine is a crucial part of Sardinian culture and travel experience.
• “If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia and you are into wines and wine tasting, this episode is for you.” (01:38)
• The island boasts its own signature grapes and a long-standing tradition of family-run wineries.

2. Notable Sardinian Grape Varietals & Wines

Cannonau di Sardegna (Sardinia’s Signature Red)

• “One in every five bottles of wine on the island is a Cannonau.” (03:07)
• Most planted varietal, accounting for about 30% of Sardinia’s vineyards.
• Best from Ogliastra and mountains around Nuoro. Low acidity, high alcohol—perfect with meat or strong cheese.
• Highlighted: Nepente di Oliena from Oliena, Mamoiada winery.

Vermentino di Gallura

• “This wine is the only Sardinian wine that has the DOCG classification.” (04:10)
• Grown primarily in Galura (northeast Sardinia); best for fish and seafood.
• Sharp, zingy, dry, salty mineral aftertaste with notes of lemon and white flowers.
• Highlights: Capichera, Cantine Vigne Surrau, Piero Mancini wineries.

Nuragus

• Claudia’s family favorite: “It’s actually a very inexpensive wine. It will cost around 15 a bottle.” (05:14)
• Dry, light-bodied, zesty; mostly grown near Cagliari.
• Highlights: Selegas from Argiolas, Cantine di Dolianova.

Carignano del Sulcis

• A red or rosé, grown in Sulcis/Carbonia-Iglesias (SW Sardinia).
• Lighter, sometimes paired with seafood.
• Must-tries: Cantina Mesa, Terre Brune from Santadi.

Bovale

• “Bovale actually has 24 different names, thanks to the variety of the Sardinian language.” (07:11)
• Grown in Mandrolisay and around Nuoro, often blended with Cannonau.
• Corem from Argiolas is recommended.

Vernaccia

• Ancient white, almost extinct but revived.
• “Depending on the one you have, it can be also 15%.” (08:05)
• Aged, complex, oxidative style. Best from Silvio Carta, Cantina Contini.

Monica & Nasco

• Monica: “A red, deep, easy on the palate.” (08:56)
• Nasco: “Mostly grown in the area of Cagliari… a varietal that was introduced by the Romans.” (09:01)

3. Standout Sardinian Wineries & Wine Tasting Experiences

Argiolas (Serdiana, near Cagliari; 10:01)

• Claudia’s personal favorite.
• Founded 1938, with roots going back to 1906.
• Top picks: Torbato (blended), Turriga, Corem (Bovale), Nuragus, Izelis (Vermentino).
• “If you’re basing yourself in Cagliari, this is a perfect place to go for a wine tasting.” (10:30)

Vinipala & Audarya (Serdiana)

• Family-owned; Pala wines described as fuller-bodied and deeper.
• Audarya known for wine tastings and Monica varietal.

Cantina di Calasetta (Sant’Antioco island; 12:17)

• One of Sardinia’s oldest wineries, established 1932.
• Main grape: Carignano; also produces Vermentino, Moscato.
• “A fantastic mineral Carignano.” (13:05)

Cantina di Santadi (SW Sardinia; 13:33)

• Founded 1960, producing reds (Carignano, Monica, Syrah, Merlot, Bovale).
• Terre Brune highlighted: “Created by one of Italy's most famous enologists, Tachis.” (14:04)
• Extensive tasting opportunities Monday–Saturday.

Cantina Su’entu (Sanluri, Marmilla; 15:04)

• Diverse varietals (Vermentino, Nasco, Bovale, Cannonau, Merlot).
• Claudia’s favorite: Nina Rosé (mostly Bovale blend).
• Features an on-site restaurant, Arriedas.

Capichera (Arzachena, Gallura; 16:30)

• Famed for Vermentino; reservations required, open Mon–Fri only.
• “Their Capichera is a fantastic Vermentino wine.” (16:45)

Cantine Vigne Surrau (near Arzachena; 17:23)

• Wine tastings, but no full winery tour.
• Claudia enjoyed their red blend Barrio.

Piero Mancini (Luogosanto, Gallura)

• Known for bold reds and structured Vermentino.
• Visits require email request.

Sidora (Luogosanto; 18:47)

• Newer winery (since 2008) focused on high-quality, contemporary approach.
• Tasting room doubles as art gallery.

Antichi Poderi di Jerzu (Jerzu, mountains; 19:32)

• Cooperative with rich history since 1950.
• Specialist in Cannonau; guided visits and tastings with advance booking.

Sella & Mosca (near Alghero; 20:10)

• Sardinia’s largest producer, founded 1899.
• “You can see the traditions in the wine you’re drinking.” (20:14)
• Famous for sparkling Torbato and red Marchese di Villamarina (Cabernet Sauvignon).

Famiglia Orro (Tramazza, Sinis Peninsula; 21:21)

• Small family winery near Oristano, revived Vernaccia grape.
• Claudia: “The best varietal you can try here is the Vernaccia... thriving.” (21:36)
• Also hosts wine production museum.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Cannonau’s Importance
  “One in every five bottles of wine on the island is a Cannonau.” —Claudia (03:01)

• On Vermentino’s Qualities
  “It's sharp, zingy wine, quite strong, dry, full bodied, almost salty as an aftertaste.” —Claudia (04:37)

• On Family Connections
  “My mom comes from Serdiana and of course we know everyone that is working at the Argiolas winery.” —Claudia (10:03)

• On Local Hospitality & Art
  “Their tasting room also serves as a contemporary art gallery. So it's a fantastic place to explore just even... regardless of wines.” —Claudia, on Sidora (19:07)

Practical Tips & Logistics

• Wine tastings are available at most major wineries; some require advance booking or email request (Capichera, Piero Mancini, Antichi Poderi).
• Many wineries offer experiences tailored to both beginners and connoisseurs, often with food pairings.
• For those unable to visit wineries, local enoteche (wine shops) in Cagliari, Alghero, and other cities offer guided tastings.

Recommendations for Travelers

• Combine wine tasting with exploring Sardinia’s regional cuisines and culture.
• Prioritize Cannonau and Vermentino for an authentic taste of the island.
• Plan ahead for tastings, especially in high season or at exclusive wineries.
• Allow time to explore wineries’ surroundings; many are set in scenic, rural landscapes.

Episode Closing

Claudia wraps up by encouraging listeners to include a wine experience in their Sardinian itinerary. She teases the next episode, focusing on the beautiful region of Gallura.

For more information or detailed recommendations, check Claudia’s full blog post at strictlysardinia.com.