Sulcis and its wines

The Sulcis is a historic wine district located in Sardinia south-western, covering the area of the old mining region now divided between the Sulcis-Iglesiente and part of the Medio Campidano.
This harsh, sun-drenched land, stretching between the sandy coasts, the limestone hills and the islands of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro, is the heart of production of the Carignano del Sulcis, one of the great reds of the Mediterranean.

The climate dry, breezy and maritime, combined with sandy and pebbly soils, makes it possible to grow vines even on their own roots, preserving ancient indigenous varieties and ensuring intense, elegant wines of great longevity.

What is the Sulcis wine district?

The Sulcis is governed by one prestigious appellation:

• Carignano del Sulcis DOC → Red, rosé and riserva wines based mainly on Carignano, often from bush-trained vines on sand.

Also present are:

• Sulcis IGT → A category allowing more freedom of variety and style (Vermentino, Monica, Nasco, Cannonau).

• Productions of Vermentino, Monica e Moscato for whites and sweet wines.

The Carignano del Sulcis is now considered one of the finest examples of the Carignano grape variety (originally from Spain) adapting to the island's terroir, where it reaches levels of unique concentration, softness and balance.

Characteristics of Sulcis Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red, turning garnet with age.

• Rosés: Bright cherry pink.

• Whites: Clear straw yellow.

Aromas

• Fruity: Ripe red fruit, plum, blackberry and jam in the reds; peach, citrus and flowers in the whites.

• Floral: Dried rose in the Carignanos; orange blossom in the whites.

• Spicy and Maritime: Notes of Mediterranean scrubland, black pepper, iodine and liquorice.

Palate

• Soft and Structured: In the Carignano Riserva, with velvety tannins and a long finish.

• Fresh and Savoury: In the rosés and whites, perfect with seafood cooking.

• Rich and Persistent: In the selection reds and the wines aged in barrique.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Sulcis

Black Grape Varieties

• Carignano: Soft, structured, spicy, the heart of the DOC.

• Monica: Lighter, fruity, suited to reds for early drinking.

• Cannonau: Found in some blends.

White Grape Varieties

• Vermentino: Fresh and savoury, with sea-breeze notes.

• Nasco: An ancient aromatic grape variety, also used for sweet wines.

• Moscato: Used for fragrant, intense sweet wines.

Why Choose a Wine from the Sulcis?

A wine from the Sulcis is ideal for anyone looking for authentic Mediterranean wines, able to to combine structure, softness and expression of place.
Perfect paired with porceddu (Sardinian suckling pig), barbecued lamb, bluefin tuna, aged cheeses such as pecorino sardo and to flavoursome fish dishes, the wines of Sulcis are also excellent companions for long ageing in the cellar.