📜 Cagliari

Cagliari (DOC «Cagliari») is a protected designation of southern Sardinia, recognised in 2011. It covers eight types: Malvasia (also spumante and riserva), Monica (also riserva), Moscato and Vermentino (also superiore). The main grape of each type is at least 85 %. Nasco is not part of it: it has its own separate DOC Nasco di Cagliari.

The zone covers parts of the provinces of Cagliari and Oristano and the whole of the provinces of Carbonia-Iglesias and Medio Campidano. In the south, from Fontanamare to Muravera, the climate is subtropical: rainfall below 700 mm, average temperature above 17 °C. In the central Campidano and the Tirso valley the climate is warm temperate: average temperature of at least 15 °C, rainfall up to 800 mm. The vegetation is Mediterranean maquis: rock rose, strawberry tree, mastic, myrtle.

The yield for Malvasia, Monica, Moscato and Vermentino superiore is 11 t/ha, for Vermentino 15 t/ha; wine yield no more than 70 %. New plantings need at least 3,500 vines/ha. Riserva: Monica 24 months from 1 November of the harvest year, Malvasia 12 months. Minimum total alcohol: Monica 13 %, Malvasia and Moscato 14 %, Vermentino 10.5 %, and superiore 12 %. Protection in the EU register dates from 21.12.2011. The specification mentions Monica in «Rifiorimento della Sardegna» of 1776, Malvasia at the Vienna exhibition of 1873 and the policy of the Marquis of Rivarolo in 1736.

Why it matters to you. It is often written that the main grapes of Cagliari are Monica and Nasco, but Nasco has its own DOC with different rules. Monica and Malvasia range from dry to sweet, so check the label.