Four years ago, during the pandemic, I began studying Italian with Giulia. Giulia came to the USA to work as an Au Pair for my son’s family. After one year she returned to her home in Tuscany, but we continued our lessons via Zoom. Earlier this year I received an invitation to her wedding, so off we went to Italy for a genuine Italian wedding.

Before the wedding we went to Sardinia, a beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean. We spent a week visiting beaches and the towns of Caliglari, Olbia and Alghero. Also, we learned that Sardinia is a “Blue Zone”, one of only five blue zones in the world. Now you might ask, COSA E UNA ZONA BLU (what is a blue zone)? 

Blue zones are regions around the world (Costa Rica, Japan, Greece, Italy, California) with a high population of octogenarians, and even centenarians (older than 100). A study of their lifestyle shows a diet primarily plant based and fish, a strong support system of family and community, lots of physical activity (ie farming and walking) and most importantly a life with little stress. 

It is interesting that Sardina has a full-bodied red wine, Cannonau di Sardegna, that is important in the aging process. The Cannonau grape is related to Grenache, more commonly found in France and Spain (called Garnacha). Cannonau has a high level of polyphenols and anthocyanins, the ingredients linked to good heart health. Cannonau and Carignon are the local red wines (DOC) but my favorite wine is a VINO BIANCO (white wine). Vermentino di Gallura is Sardinia’s only DOCG wine and is on the short list of Italia’s greatest white wines. The Vermentino varietal has similarities to Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino grows in other areas of Italy such as Tuscany, Liguria and Piemonte (called Favorita).

SELLA & MOSCA Vermentino Di Gallura Superiore Monteoro DOCG 2023.
I tasted this delicious wine at the winery but the import volume is limited.     

As always, my trip to Italy would not be complete without a visit to a local winery. Tenute Sella & Mosca, near Alghero in northern Sardinia, is the largest winery in Sardinia. With 542 hectares (1,340 acres) under vine, it is Europe’s largest contigous vineyard. 

SELLA & MOSCA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA DOC and VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA DOC
are easily available in USA.

Cheers, Bob the WineGuy
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