Neoneli and its wines

Neoneli is a small village of medieval origin in the province of Oristano, in the heart of the Barbagia of the Guilcer, in Sardinia.
Set among the hills of the Barbagia di Ollolai and the hill country of the Central-western Sardinia, Neoneli is one of the the most genuine and least travelled areas of Sardinian viticulture, well suited to producing intense, spicy reds from indigenous grapes, in particular from grapes Cannonau, Bovale Sardo (Muristellu) and Monica.

The vineyards of this area are often bush-trained, grown on granitic and sandy soils, at altitudes of between 300 and 500 metres, with a climate dry, windy and with wide temperature swings which guarantees slow ripening and great aromatic concentration.

What is the Neoneli wine district?

Neoneli falls mainly under the categories:

• IGT Barbagia

• IGT Isola dei Nuraghi

Many local producers choose to make their wines as table wine or IGT to make the most of the indigenous grape varieties and traditional practices.
The area is growing thanks to young growers and cooperatives that are rediscovering old grape varieties and hand-crafted methods.

Characteristics of Neoneli Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red, with purple highlights when young and garnet with age.

• Rosés: Deep, luminous cherry colour.

Aromas

• Fruity: Ripe berries, plum, cherry in spirit.

• Floral: Dried rose, violet.

• Spicy and Mediterranean: Myrtle, black pepper, liquorice, wild herbs.

Palate

• Structured and Textural: Noticeable but elegant tannins, good freshness.

• Warm and Enveloping: The high alcohol level typical of Sardinian reds.

• Long: A long, savoury and spicy finish.

Typical Grape Varieties of Neoneli

Black Grape

• Cannonau (Grenache): Structured, warm, fruity.

• Bovale Sardo (Muristellu): Rich in colour, tannin and spice.

• Monica: Softer, fruity, with notes of cherry.

White Grape

• Vermentino: In small quantities, fresh and savoury.

• Nuragus: Sometimes present in traditional white blends.

Why choose a wine from Neoneli?

A wine from Neoneli is ideal for anyone looking for the most authentic, ancestral expression of Barbagia, in reds powerful, spicy and deeply tied to the Sardinian farming tradition.
Perfect to accompany roast suckling pig, braised lamb, wild boar, local cured meats, aged cheeses such as Fiore Sardo and dishes from the shepherds’ tradition.