The Wine
This wine is from the winery's "Classic" line, known for their fresh style bottled under various DOCs, including Vermentino di Sardegna and Cannonau di Sardegna. Vermentino is the predominant white grape of Sardinia as well as the Northwestern Italian region known as Liguria, where the grape is known locally as "Pigato", and in Piemonte where it is known as Favorita - same grape, different monikers. But whatever you call it, this grape produces white wines of tremendous value, wines that hit well above their weight class, price-wise!
Look for aromas of lime, grapefruit, citrus zest and wet rocks, with some nutty notes that lead to a floral finish. On the palate you'll find moderate fruit, mouth-watering acidity (so it pairs well with most foods) and moderate alcohol. Don't let the wine's light body fool you - it has more complexity than first glance would indicate! Look for a subtle hint of ocean salinity and an almond-like bitterness on the finish - a characteristic of the grape.
The Winery
Argiolas is the leading producer in Sardinia, known for producing wines from native varietals. Antonio Argiolas, who died in 2009 at the age of 102, inherited seven acres of vines from his father in 1938 and was the first on the island to convert to modern viticulture in pursuit of quality over quantity. His commitment to this vision has paid off well, as you'll soon see for yourself after popping this cork.
Antonio's sons, Franco and Giuseppe, took their father's vision even further, replanting the vineyards exclusively to native Sardinian varietals and to reduce yields to raise quality even further. Argiolas is now recognized as Sardinia’s leading wine producer.
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies roughly 190 miles west of Italy's mainland. The kingdom of Aragón ruled Sardinia for 400 years and many of its vines came from Spain, including Bovale Sardo, Carignano, and Cannonau. The island can be divided into three principal viticultural areas: the north, influenced by the marine influence of the Costa Smeralda, specializes in Vermentino; the southwest, where Carignano is at its best; and the Trexenta hills north of the capital of Cagliari where Nuragus, Monica, and Cannonau thrive. The vineyards of Argiolas span 600 acres planted to native Sardinian grapes.
