Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2022

Vermentino excels in Sardinia, where the sea breezes and mineral-rich soils enhance its fresh, vibrant profile. 

Vineyards

The Vermentino grapes are grown in Audarya’s southeast Sardinian vineyards, located at altitudes of 150 to 200 metres above sea level. The vineyards benefit from the cooling breezes of the Gulf of Cagliari, which help maintain the grapes' acidity and aromatic complexity. The limestone, marl, and clay soils provide a mineral backbone, adding to the wine’s crisp and refreshing character.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their aromatic freshness. Soft pressing and natural decanting are used to gently extract the best flavours from the grapes. The wine is aged briefly in stainless steel to maintain its vibrant fruit-forward nature, with an alcohol content of 13%.

Appearance

Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections.

Nose

The nose is fresh and lively, with aromas of citrus, white peach, and green apple, complemented by subtle floral notes and a hint of Mediterranean herbs.

Palate

On the palate, Vermentino di Sardegna is crisp and refreshing, with flavours of citrus, pear, and a touch of tropical fruit. The bright acidity and minerality lead to a clean, elegant finish, making it a perfect wine for sipping on warm days.

Food pairing

This versatile white pairs beautifully with seafood, especially shellfish, as well as fresh salads and grilled vegetables. It’s also an excellent match for light pasta dishes and soft cheeses, offering a refreshing accompaniment to Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Accolades

• 91 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.