Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry (Non-vintage) - Santa Maria La Palma

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Akènta is the flagship wine of the Santa Maria La Palma winery and of Alghero, also known in the “Akènta Sub” version, aged in the sea at a depth of 40 metres. The vintage-dated Extra Dry version best expresses the lively, Mediterranean soul of Vermentino.

Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry (Non-vintage) - Santa Maria La Palma

Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry (Non-vintage) - Santa Maria La Palma

Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne

Area: Italy, Sardinia, Alghero

Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC

Grape variety: Vermentino

Vintage: Non-vintage

Winery: Santa Maria La Palma

Alcohol: 11.5%

The appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC

Vermentino di Sardegna DOC is one of the most representative appellations of Sardinian viticulture, established in 1988. This white wine, produced exclusively from Vermentino grapes grown across the island, reflects Sardinia’s unique character: a land kissed by the sun, caressed by the winds and surrounded by the sea.

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Who makes it: Santa Maria La Palma

Founded in 1959 by around 100 local farmers in the Nurra area near Alghero, Cantina Santa Maria La Palma is today a thriving cooperative with around 300 members and 700 hectares under vine, one of the leading wine estates in Sardinia.The winery grew out of farming ingenuity and combines local tradition with modern production technology.

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The vine of Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry

Vermentino

Vermentino is a highly prized white grape variety, found mainly in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. Its origin is debated, but it is thought to come from the Iberian peninsula or from Liguria, from where it would then have spread to Sardinia, Tuscany and Corsica. Today it is also grown in some areas of southern France.

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Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry: the Alghero area

Alghero

Alghero

Alghero, in the north-western part of Sardinia, is one of the island's most important wine districts. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, its limestone soils and the influence of the sea breezes, the area produces fresh, savoury white wines, structured and intense reds and elegant sparkling wines. The Alghero DOC appellation protects the area's wine production and covers several native and international varieties, among them Vermentino, Torbato, Cannonau, Cagnulari and Cabernet Sauvignon. The historic presence of Catalan culture has left its mark on viticulture too, with Torbato, a rare grape variety distinctive to the area.

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Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Sea

Profile of Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry

Primary aromas: Citrus, White flowers, Mineral

Secondary aromas: citrus, White flowers, Candied fruit, Marine and iodine notes

Tertiary aromas: Candied citrus, Mineral notes

Tasting notes: This extra dry wine shows a bright straw colour, lively with greenish reflections. On the nose it has an intense, elegant aromatic profile, with notes of crisp fruit, green apple and a touch of ginger. On the palate it is dry and fresh, with a fine acidity that balances its structure and full body. The finish is long and persistent, with a citrus aftertaste and a light mineral note. Perfect as an aperitif or paired with fish dishes.

Sulphites yes
Body Fresh
Acidity Medium-high
Tannin Absent
Sweetness Sweet, Extra Dry
Finish Medium / Long
Colour Straw yellow with pale green highlights
Clarity Clear

Winemaking methods used for Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry

Hand harvesting

Hand harvesting is a traditional, painstaking approach to picking, where bunches are selected and cut by hand straight from the vine. Compared with machine harvesting it allows far closer attention to quality, since only the best bunches are chosen and the fruit is not damaged.

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Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.

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Ageing methods used for Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry

In stainless steel

Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.

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Time on the lees for Akènta, Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. Extra Dry

  • Short (1–6 months)