Cagliari

The "Cagliari" Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is recognised for a wide range of Sardinian wines: Malvasia, Malvasia spumante, Malvasia riserva, Monica, Monica riserva, Moscato, Vermentino and Vermentino superiore. 

Grapes

"Cagliari Malvasia" wines are produced from at least 85% of Malvasia di Sardegna grapes. Up to a maximum of 15%, other similarly coloured berry varieties (including aromatic ones for sparkling wines) suitable for cultivation in the region also contribute. Monica wines, on the other hand, have a minimum of 85% of the homonymous grape variety and a maximum of 15% from other similar berry varieties, which can be cultivated in Sardegna. Respecting the same proportions and the same principle, for Moscato the prevailing grape variety is White Moscatot, for Vermentino wines it is the same name.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Malvasia (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 14% vol.) is straw-coloured and tends to be golden. Intense, delicate aroma; taste from dry to sweet. The Spumante version (12% vol.) has a fine and persistent froth and shows a taste from brut to sweet. The Riserva variant (14% vol.), on the other hand, is golden yellow, with a flavour that ranges from dry to sweet. On the other hand, the Monica wines (13% vol.) have a light ruby red colour, tending towards orange. Intense, ethereal and delicate aroma; sweet and pleasant taste, which in the Reserve becomes soft and velvety. Moscato (14% vol.), on the other hand, is golden yellow, with an intense aroma and sweet taste. Finally, the Vermentino (10.5% vol., 12% vol. for the Superiore) have a straw-yellow hue with greenish reflections. The aroma is delicate and pleasant, the taste goes from dry to sweet, fresh and savoury, with a bitterish aftertaste in the basic version.

Grape production area

The production area covers the provinces of Cagliari, Medio Campidano, Carbonia-Iglesias and Oristano. 

Specificity and historical notes

The production area of the “Cagliari” DOC is very complex and varied from a geological, pedological and related ecosystem point of view. The landscape can be very varied from soft to sour depending on the nature of the substrates and the vegetation present and passing from high peaks to coastlines. The golden age of “Sardegna” viticulture coincided with the domination of the two maritime republics of "Pisa" and "Genoa", which favored the export of fine wines and a considerable increase in trade.