This year as well, Federico and I had the pleasure of contributing to the 2026 edition of the online Guide to the Best Wines of Sardinia, curated by Maurizio Valeriani and Antonio Paolini and published by Vinodabere. Sardinian wine continues to make headlines, portraying a landscape rich in excellence: 305 samples reviewed, of which as many as 98 were awarded the “Standing Ovation,” meaning nearly one wine out of three.
And there were no shortage of champion-level highlights: three 100/100 scores awarded to bottles tasted blind, a symbol of rare yet achieved perfection. Earning the top score were two Vermentino wines — Ruinas del Fondatore 2022 by Depperu and Gallura Superiore Campianatu 2023 by Tenute Campianatu — and a Cannonau di Sardegna, Perdas Longas 2023 by Francesco Cadinu.
A complex vintage, yet one of great quality. Compared to last year, around 100 fewer labels were tasted. This decline was due to two factors: the climatic challenges of the 2023 harvest, especially for Barbagia reds, and the conscious decision by many producers to focus only on their best grapes, temporarily reducing their range. A strategy that paid off: the 2023 wines tasted — including two of the three perfect scores — proved extremely convincing, even in their “base” versions, often elevated by the decision to forgo Riservas and special selections.
From a territorial perspective, Gallura confirms itself as the kingdom of Vermentino (17 Standing Ovations out of 35 labels in the Guide) and surprises with characterful interpretations of Cannonau (4 awards out of 10). Successes were also recorded in Romangia (4 awards) and Coros (3 awards). Mamoiada consolidates its role as a benchmark for mountain Cannonau and Granazza (12 awards out of 21 wines in the Guide), while Orgosolo (3 out of 4) and Oliena (5 out of 9) celebrate the renaissance of an increasingly refined and elegant Nepente. In Southern Sardinia, Carignano remains the flagship variety (7 awards out of 14 wines), while Mandrolisai stands out as the only DOC dedicated specifically to its own territory, with 7 awards out of 14.
As for oxidative and sweet wines, tastings of Vernaccia di Oristano and Malvasia di Bosa confirm exceptionally high quality, in contrast with the commercial challenges these styles still face. True oenological treasures, awaiting new ambassadors ready to share their value.
A steady growth: overall, the numbers show that interest in Sardinian wine continues to rise year after year. For those like Vinodabere.it, who have been witnesses and storytellers of this journey from the beginning, this milestone brings a sense of satisfaction and pride.
Curators: Maurizio Valeriani and Antonio Paolini.
Text revision by Pino Perrone.
Web editorial work by Daniele Moroni.
Guide contributors: Salvatore Del Vasto, Paolo Frugoni, Federico Gabriele, Maurizio Gabriele, Emanuele Giannone, Luca Matarazzo, Daniele Moroni, Gianmarco Nulli Gennari, Antonio Paolini, Pino Perrone, Stefano Puhalovich, Franco Santini, Susanna Schivardi, Gianni Travaglini, Paolo Valentini, Maurizio Valeriani.
The Guide is available at this link:
https://vinodabere.it/guida-ai-migliori-vini-della-sardegna-2026-di-vinodabere-la-guida-completa/
