Sardinia

DOC for red and rosé wines on the Italian island of Sardinia. The poet Gabriele D´Annunzio (1863-1938) gave the wines from Oliena the name „Nepente“, after the opium-like narcotic drug of the ancient Greeks. The zone includes the whole island, with ist hundreds of communes. Wines from the commune of Oliena as well as part of the commune of Orgosolo in the province of Nuoro may additionally state „Oliena“ or „Nepente die Oliena“ on the label. Wines from Muravera, San Vito, Villaputzo and Villasimius in the province of Cagliari may state „Capo Ferrato“ on the label, and wines from the communes of Cardedu and Jerzu in the province of Nuoro may add „Jerzu“ on the label. Rosso (which may be called Riserva if matured for two years) and Rosato are made from Cannonau = Grenache (90-100%), as well as possibly from other permitted red varieties (up to 10%). The Liquoroso Secco haa an alcohol level of 18% vol, the Liquoroso Dolce Naturale has 16% vol.. Well-known producers include Argiolas, Attilio Contini, Dettori, Guiseppe Gabbas, CS di Jerzu and Sedilesu.