It was quite a journey—that “walk” that saw the large Vinodabere.it group at work preparing The Guide to the Best Wines of Sardinia 2021. A truly comprehensive guide, anticipated by a series of smaller, focused guides dedicated to each wine category, the result of entire afternoons spent tasting—strictly blind—the roughly 160 samples sent in by producers.
A meticulous effort, led by Maurizio Valeriani and Antonio Paolini. A process of tasting, scoring, and writing that, in my view, led to a result of great value. It allowed me—and I hope it does the same for readers—to discover a lesser-known Sardinia, capable of ranging from the bold character of its Cannonau to the more delicate notes of its Vermentini. A Sardinia fully capable of surprising, with wines that have nothing to envy the “big names” of other regions.
When I was younger, if someone said “Sardinia,” I would reply “Cannonau & Vermentino.” Then you grow up, you study, you taste—and you realize there is much more.
Cannonau, Carignano, Vermentino di Sardegna, Vermentino di Gallura, Monica di Sardegna, Nuragus di Cagliari, Vernaccia di Oristano, Bovale, Cagnulari, Mandrolisai. And then sweet wines, and many others from this island full of surprises.
A journey of research and tasting shared with Carlo Bertilaccio, Salvatore Del Vasto, Carlo Dugo, Daniele Moroni, Gianmarco Nulli Gennari, Antonio Paolini, Giuseppe Picconi, Emanuela Pistoni, Stefano Puhalovich, Franco Santini, Marco Sciarrini, Gianni Travaglini, Paolo Valentini.
Great travel companions. People to share with—and to learn from.
A group I’m fortunate to collaborate with.
