Wine route 1: La Strada del Vino Cannonau
Sardinia’s most distinctive red grape is the Cannonau – courtesy of the Spanish. Sardinia’s granite soil and warm climate result in an intensely flavoured fruity red wine with an impressive alcohol content. The best Cannonaus are grown on the east coast of the province of Nuoro, for example at the Cantina Gostolai vineyard in Oliena. Stop for lunch at Ristorantino Masiloghi, sample wines at wine bar La Rossa Enoteca in Mamoiada, and spend the night among the vines in artistic Gologone.
Wine route 2: La Strada dei Vini di Cagliari
The Nuragus is Sardinia’s most typical white grape: named after the nuraghe, the famous stone towers dating back to the Bronze Age that are scattered around the island. In the province of Cagliari, the island capital in the south, the Nuragus grape is made into a refreshing and fruity white wine. On the way to the vineyard of Cantina Trexenta in Senorbì, take a break in the wine-growing villages of Monserrato, Serdiana and Dolianova. Cagliari city boasts many wine bars, seafood restaurants and plenty of boutique hotels: Inu, Antica Cagliari and Maison Miramare are absolute musts!
Wine route 3: La Strada della Malvasia di Bosa
The white Malvasia grape is the basis for a heavenly Sardinian dessert wine: the fortified, smooth and sweet golden Malvasia di Bosa. The unyielding basalt soil of the Planargia wine region on the west coast is perfect for cultivating this grape. From Bosa, the road winds along beautiful hamlets such as Tinnura, Flussio and Modolo, surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. Visit Zarelli Vini in Magomadas, which also produces grappa, licoro and Malvasia’s spumante sparkling wine. Villa Asfodeli in Tresnuraghes is a fabulous boutique hotel.
