Wine of the Week 3/2/21

Contini Tyrsos Vermentino di Sardegna 2019

Regularly $17.99/On Sale for $13.96

The Tirso river is the most important waterway in Sardinia, beginning in the mountains and opening out into the Mediterranean. It was named after the Thyrsos staff used by the Maenads, or followers of Dionysus, in ritual dance, and occasionally to ward off over-enthusiastic satyrs. The staff was wreathed in vines and said to drip honey, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the white wines grown on the banks of the Tirso have such a beautiful golden glow.

There is archaeological evidence of the cultivation of grapes in Sardinia dating back to a Phoenician settlement in 2000 BCE, and winemaking has been part of Sardinia’s culture ever since. 

Salvatore Contini began the Contini estate in 1898, and the winery remains family-run. While the winery has a commitment to traditional Sardinian grapes in general, they are most celebrated for their white wines, most of all the Vermentino.  Vermentino is by far Sardinia’s most widely planted grape variety. It is light-skinned and its wines are characterised by a refreshing acidity and highly aromatic profile which includes Mediterranean herbs, lime and stone fruit.

The Contini family manages about 40 hectares of vineyards in the Tirso valley. The vineyards are influenced by mild winters and very hot but windy summers, thanks to the famous Mistral that whips through the vines.

If you enjoyed our special on the Cannonau from the Contini winery a few weeks ago, don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation of Sardinian wines with this gorgeous, fresh, white. It's hard to imagine a better wine with fresh fish, but we've also been enjoying it just by itself!