From: Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy
Varietal: Vermentino, Nasco
Taste: The glass reveals a luminous amber-gold hue, showcasing the depth of its skin-contact winemaking process. The wine’s clarity and color have hints of copper and bronze. This wine offers a multifaceted bouquet on the nose that blends fresh and dried aromas. Initial notes of citrus zest—orange peel, tangerine, and lemon rind—are accompanied by delicate floral hints of chamomile and orange blossom. As the wine opens, layers of dried apricot, ripe peach, and golden apple emerge, balanced by savory undertones of wild herbs, fennel, and a faint trace of salty sea breeze, reflecting its coastal Sardinian origins. Subtle earthy wet stone nuances and a honey touch further enhance the aromatic complexity.
Pairing: Regional Sardinian specialties like fregola with clams bring out the wine’s saline and citrus notes, while pane carasau served with Pecorino cheese and a drizzle of olive oil complements its earthy and herbal undertones. For a richer pairing, Sardinia’s traditional porceddu, or roast suckling pig seasoned with aromatic herbs, matches the wine’s acidity and tannic structure, cutting through the dish's richness. Seafood options such as grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil enhance the wine’s savory herbal nuances. In contrast, steamed mussels with garlic and white wine mirror its minerality and balance its structure. Grilled sardines with fresh herbs offer another excellent pairing, with the wine’s acidity offsetting the richness of the fish and its herbal character complementing the dish’s flavors. For a unique Sardinian-inspired option, spaghetti with bottarga provides a savory, umami-rich pairing that aligns perfectly with the wine’s citrus and saline elements.
Clam And Fregola Soup
Recipe from Giuseppina Perisi
Adapted by Molly O’Neill, NYT Cooking
About: Founded in the 1970s, this family-run estate has consistently focused on producing wines that capture the authentic flavors of Sardinia. The winery takes its name from the nearby village of Cardedu, a place steeped in agricultural history, where the rugged landscape and Mediterranean climate create an ideal setting for viticulture.
From its inception, the winery has been owned and operated by the Loi family, whose deep connection to the land drives their winemaking philosophy. The current generation continues to uphold the family’s commitment to tradition while embracing modern techniques to enhance quality. The Loi siblings now manage the estate who have infused the winery with renewed energy, focusing on sustainability and innovation.
