Sulcis

Sardinia boasts appellations with grapes like Cannonau di Sardegna, Monica di Sardegna and Vermentino di Sardegna, grown all over the entire region. The Cannonau grape has a gift for survival in dry, blistering climates. The wine’s crimson-red depth and structure unfold luscious layers of Mediterranean aromas and flavors: blackberries, blueberries, myrtle and spices, subtle tobacco and chocolate, sustained by unique intensity and sweet, silky tannins. The origins of the native grape Monica are uncertain: some say it was introduced by the Moors, others theorize it originated in Spain thousands of years ago. Whatever its beginnings, it was planted by Sardinian monks around the area of Alghero, then throughout the region – hence the name, Monica, from monaco, meaning “monk.” It is one of the island’s most interesting and widespread red varieties, paralleled by Vermentino, the white grape grown throughout the region. Carignano del Sulcis, on the other hand, is the premier grape of the southwestern territory known as Sulcis. Carignano may have come from Aragon, in Spain. In Sardinia, it was particularly suitable to the southwestern coastland, thanks to its resistance to the salty winds that come from the sea. When bush-trained, it gives small crops of great concentration and depth.Sardinia boasts appellations with grapes like Cannonau di Sardegna, Monica di Sardegna and Vermentino di Sardegna, grown all over the entire region. The Cannonau grape has a gift for survival in dry, blistering climates. The wine’s crimson-red depth and structure unfold luscious layers of Mediterranean aromas and flavors: blackberries, blueberries, myrtle and spices, subtle tobacco and chocolate, sustained by unique intensity and sweet, silky tannins. The origins of the native grape Monica are uncertain: some say it was introduced by the Moors, others theorize it originated in Spain thousands of years ago. Whatever its beginnings, it was planted by Sardinian monks around the area of Alghero, then throughout the region – hence the name, Monica, from monaco, meaning “monk.” It is one of the island’s most interesting and widespread red varieties, paralleled by Vermentino, the white grape grown throughout the region. Carignano del Sulcis, on the other hand, is the premier grape of the southwestern territory known as Sulcis. Carignano may have come from Aragon, in Spain. In Sardinia, it was particularly suitable to the southwestern coastland, thanks to its resistance to the salty winds that come from the sea. When bush-trained, it gives small crops of great concentration and depth.

Map of the region

Sulcis wineries

Empson producers