When you think of Sardinia, things that immediately come to mind are beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, Porto Cervo, billionaires and their expensive yachts, and often overpriced hotels. Sardinian wine isn’t something you would easily find at your local wine merchant, let alone on a supermarket shelf. The reason being the lion’s share of production is consumed locally, and with Sicily offering affordable wines in much larger quantities, Sardinian wines are regrettably (or luckily? 😉 ) overlooked.

With a number of Spanish and indigenous Italian varieties flourishing here, the island has a number of IGT and DOC zones, and with Vermentino di Gallura, the first and so far the only DOCG appellation.

Being based in the North-West of the island for only one week holiday I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit a local winery. I have selected Vigne Surrau, a producer located to the North-East of the island, less than 30 minutes’ drive from Porto Cervo.

Enjoy browsing the gallery!

Producer visited:                                                                                                        Vigne Surrau: http://www.vignesurrau.it

The classics taste much better in Italy than shop bought in London

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni

The only DOCG wine of Sardinia – Vermentino di Gallura. This one by the biggest producer on the island Stella & Mosca

Veal steak on Aubergine slice

Had so much great fish while in Sardinia that I have troubles remember which one was which. But they were all delicious, especially when grilled in a salt crust

The red classic of Sardinia – Carignano del Sulcis, a med-full bodied red packed with red fruit, med acidity and is very food friendly.

The red classic of Sardinia – Carignano del Sulcis, a med-full bodied red packed with red fruit, med acidity and is very food friendly.

2 typical Sardinian pasta dishes on 1 plate: couscous shaped pasta called Fregola with clams; ravioli with potato & cheese filling

Arrived at Vigne Surrau winery in North-East of Sardinia, not far from Porto Cervo. It is a beautiful property with surrounding vineyards, winery and modern hospitality area. I absolutely recommend to visit them when in the area

Rows of Vermentino de Gallura vines at Vigne Surrau vineyard with dramatic landscape in the background. You may recognize parts of this picture on the title page here 😉

Vermentino grapes taking their time..

Vineyard area around the winery — at Vigne Surrau

Taking a close look at the stainless steel tanks – this time from above

The heart of the winery – the winemaker’s lab where all the blending & other analysis takes place

Bottling machine

..and packaging waiting for the wine

Beautifully designed Surrau winery

Hospitality area — at Vigne Surrau.

An old wine press

Oak barrel with Cannonau (Sardinian name for Grenache/Garnacha) ageing inside

The winemaker is experimenting with different types of wood for ageing his wine.. Pity this wasn’t ready to taste

An installation from a local artist who had a very big budget obviously. This is about 35,000 euros in empty barriques just for the installation!

And sooner or later you find yourself at the tasting bar.. with a portfolio of 11 wines to sample

Refreshing & easy drinking sparkling

An excellent late harvest Vermentino

Another Vermentino I got to enjoy, by Cantina Santa Maria la Palma

Exceptional pumpkin risotto with crunchy pancetta pieces

Linguine with lobster paired very well with the Vermentino on the next picture..

.. Torbato by Stella & Mosca

When less is more – a basic dish of burrata & prosciutto giving simple pleasures. Pairs well with local Vermentino de Gaillura.

Last but not least, another notable producer in Sardinia is Cherchi. Sardegna DOC Vermentino.