Bisai Nasco di Cagliari DOC is a rare and exquisite dessert wine made from the indigenous Nasco grape, one of Sardinia’s most ancient varieties.
Vineyards
The Nasco grapes are sourced from Audarya’s vineyards, situated at 150 to 200 metres above sea level, where the sea breezes from the Gulf of Cagliari help to concentrate the sugars in the grapes. The limestone, marl, and clay soils create a perfect balance of minerality and richness, allowing the Nasco grape to thrive. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm days and cool nights, further enhances the grape’s aromatic intensity.
Winemaking
After a late harvest, the grapes are carefully selected and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit. The wine undergoes a slow fermentation to achieve its natural sweetness, followed by ageing in stainless steel to retain its fresh fruit character. The 2019 vintage has an alcohol content of 14%, balancing sweetness with freshness.
Appearance
Brilliant golden yellow.
Nose
The nose is highly aromatic, with intense notes of apricot, honey, dried figs, and orange blossom, complemented by subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs and spices.
Palate
On the palate, Bisai Nasco di Cagliari is rich and luscious, with flavours of ripe tropical fruits, honey, and a delicate spiciness. The sweetness is beautifully balanced by a fresh acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish with lingering notes of dried fruit and a touch of minerality.
Food pairing
This dessert wine pairs wonderfully with traditional Sardinian pastries, blue cheeses, or rich desserts like crème brûlée and panna cotta. It also complements fresh fruit tarts and nut-based sweets, making it ideal for a variety of sweet or savoury pairings.
Accolades
- 94 points from Gambero Rosso
Background story
Audarya, an ancient Sanskrit word meaning “nobility of spirit,” reflects the humble devotion of the Sardinian farmers who have tended their vineyards for generations. This spirit forms the foundation of Audarya’s exceptional wines, crafted by the Pala family, who have been involved in winemaking for over 80 years. About ten years ago, siblings Nicoletta and Salvatore Pala, then in their twenties, decided to continue their family’s winemaking tradition. With the guidance and blessing of their father, Enrico, they founded Audarya, the newest winery on the island. We met them at their first visit to the
London Wine Fair, we agreed to work with them and Matthew Jukes gave us our first listing the very same day. A decision well made!
Situated in the southeast of the island, Audarya's vineyards span four distinct estates: Audarya, Acquasassa, Su Stani, and Is Crabilis. These vineyards, averaging 25 years old, are located at altitudes of 150 to 200 metres above sea level, benefiting from the sea air of the Gulf. The unique terroirs, characterised by limestone, marl, and clay soils, combined with the traditional Sardinian head-trained, short-espaliered bush vines, create an ideal environment for viticulture. The Pala family cultivates only local and autochthonous grape varieties, embracing the region’s ancient winemaking traditions.
Their approach integrates modern best practices, such as time and temperature-controlled fermentation, with gentle handling techniques like soft pressing and natural decanting to maximise the flavour and aroma expressions of the grapes. Cellar intervention is minimal, and they avoid oak aging, except for their Nuracada Bovale. Top 95+ scores from international critics are plentiful, and multiple much-coveted Tre Bicchieri awards at the Gambero Rosso on several wines highlight the exceptional quality and distinctiveness of Audarya's range.
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