SARDINIA

Sardinia, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is famous for its turquoise sea and exquisite beaches but, in the last decade, it's been all about the wines. Sardinia is Italy’s second largest island, after Sicily, and is so diverse that it is often described as being like a country in its own right. Food and wine are extremely important to the local people of Sardinia and the island has been named as a designated ‘Blue Zone’ - a region where the people live longer and healthier lives than anywhere else on the planet.  

Sardinia is home to Cannonau,  which is the local name for Grenache. The most identifying flavor note with this grape is white pepper. These wines are often subtly spiced, expressing bright red fruit, like strawberry, raspberry, and tart cherry. Other common varieties on the island are Vermentino and Carigniano, which are also known as Carignan. Vermentino grapes thrive from the sun reflections of the sea and, because of this, they are often planted facing north to provide cooling balance to the region’s hot weather. The windy climate and temperature differences through the night maximize the wine’s acidity and flavor compounds. Now let’s not forget what else Sardinia is famous for – its liqueurs. Wild myrtle berries are harvested by hand to make one of their most well known liqueurs - Mirto. The berries have the shape, size, and colour of blueberries and are known for their medicinal properties, being prescribed by ancient physicians to treat pain and fever. If you haven't tried it, you’re missing out!