sahr-DIN-ee'yah) Fairly removed from Italy, both geographically and culturally, Sardinia has more grazing animals than vineyards. An agricultural community, the small island is secluded. With high influences from Spain as much as Italy, the grapes of the region hail from both countries.

Notable Facts

The most popular and most planted variety is Cannonau (otherwise known as Grenache). It produced delicious and often ageable reds that are both dry and sweet, although more commonly dry. Carignano (Carignan) and Giro are other red varieties grown here. For whites, Vernaccia (not the same grape as found in other parts of Italy) di Oristano produces a dry, sherry-like wine, while crisp, dry whites are most often made from the Vermentino grape and found in the northern regions of Sardinia. Some wineries, like Sella & Mosca, are also growing international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These grapes can be bottled as single varietals or blended with local varieties, like Cannonau.