Sardegna

The red grape Cannonau has been documented on Sardegna since the late Middle Ages, with a long history in Ogliastra and Barbagia. In the north, white Vermentino grows from Olbia to Alghero; Sardegna holds 80 percent of Italy's Vermentino vineyard area. The Vermentino di Gallura DOCG appellation lies among the granite hills of historical Gallura and requires at least 95 percent Vermentino. Vernaccia di Oristano became Sardegna's first recognised denomination in 1971. Its white wines mature with exposure to oxygen for three to four years in partly empty oak or chestnut casks. Central Mandrolisai makes reds and rosés from Bovale sardo, Cannonau and Monica. In the southwest, Carignano grows in Sulcis between the mountains and the sea; Carignano del Sulcis DOC requires at least 85 percent of this red grape.