Palm & Vine
  • Home
  • Free Resources
  • About Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
  • Contact Me
  • Wine
    • Tastings & Events
    • Wineries
    • World of Wine
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • Musings

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Social Links

Free Resources
Contact
Palm & Vine
Palm & Vine Palm & Vine Palm & Vine
  • Wine
    • Wine Tastings & Events
    • World of Wine
    • Wineries
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • About
    • Musings
    • Contact Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
    • Discover Your Digital Brand Messaging Strategy
    • Free Resources
  • WineComm 365
Nasco
  • Rare Varieties

Nasco – An Elegant and Historic Sardinian White Wine

  • 3 minute read
Total
0
Shares
0
0
5

For this week’s rare variety, I have an extraordinary Sardinian white wine to share with you. Nasco is a variety that dates back to ancient Roman times. A once highly regarded fine wine, which was cultivated extensively throughout the entire island of Sardinia until the middle of the last century. In fact, at the Vienna Universal Exhibition of 1873, Nasco was judged as one of the most prestigious wines of Sardinia.

Today, production is quite limited and mostly cultivated around the coasts of Cagliari in the south. You’ll also find some Nasco growing in the sunny central area of Mandrolisai. Nasco truly is an autochthonous Sardinian variety.

Genetic connections have been determined with the following Sardinian varieties, which share 50% or more alleles with Nasco.

  • Codronisca (26 of 44 alleles shared)
  • Retagliadu (25)
  • Malaga (23)
  • Claretta (22)
  • Fiudedda (22)
  • Muristellu (22)
  • Ttunisi (22)

However, extensive genetic research has found no significant genetic relatives in Sardinia nor throughout Europe to determine a parental or familial connection. So, if you want to try Nasco, you just might have to come to this stunning Mediterranean island to get it. Don’t twist your arm, I know.

Nasco di Cagliari D.O.C.

Nasco’s geographic indication was established in 1972. This D.O.C.’s zones of cultivation include areas in the provinces of Cagliari and Oristano. In order to be labeled as Nasco di Cagliari D.O.C., the wine must be produced with a minimum of 95% Nasco grapes. A maximum of 5% other suitable varieties of Sardinian cultivation are permitted. The maximum grape yield for this geographic indication is 100 quintals/hectare.

The D.O.C. includes the following styles:

  • Dry wine – requires a minimum of 14% alcohol
  • Dry, fortified (liquoroso) wine – requires a minimum of 17.5% alcohol
  • Fortified Reserve

A minimum 2-year aging period is required here, one of which must be in barrels for the Riserva style.

Nasco in the Vineyard

As previously mentioned, Nasco is mainly grown in Cagliari because this variety loves the sunny, chalky zones in the south. Vineyards are mainly cultivated using the albarello Sardo vine training method (i.e. bush trained), Nasco clusters are medium in size and length, and conical in shape with medium compactness.

Nasco
Photo from Akinas

Bud break kicks off the growing season in the first ten days of April followed by flowering in the last ten days of May. Veraison shows up in the vineyard typically in the beginning of August. Fruit tends to be mature and ready for harvest in the first ten days of September.

Nasco
Photo from Akinas

Nasco in the Glass

Nasco is an elegant wine with a dense, luscious texture that typically shows as a deep straw to warm topaz color in the glass. Expect low to medium acidity and high intensity aromatics of mature fruit, honey, dates, yellow flowers, and potentially tropical fruits. This variety has a trademark undertone of muskiness on the nose and on the finish, but not overwhelmingly so. Actually, the name Nascu (in Sardinian dialect) is derived from muscus meaning musk, which aptly describes the aromas found in especially matured examples.

Recommended Producer

Argiolas, Iselis Nasco di Cagliari D.O.C. 2018

Nasco

Tasting notes:

  • Clear medium straw yellow appearance
  • Intense and harmonious perfume of yellow flowers, tropical fruits, and a touch of muskiness
  • Dense on the palate with an intriguing texture from 60 days spent on the lees, plus barrel aging
  • Soft and enveloping with a long persistent finish
  • A bit sweet on the palate, but a beautiful expression of the variety

Pairing Suggestions

Nasco is an ideal pairing for seafood appetizers like tuna carpaccio with celery and citrus. Perfect with grilled fish or calamari. Artichoke risotto or grilled artichokes in a shallot dressing. Mint and potato culurgiones or ricotta ravioli. 

Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 5

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Total
5
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 5
Related Topics
  • Italian Wine
  • Mediterranean
  • Sardinia
  • White Wine
  • Wine Tasting
Previous Article
Malvasia di Bosa
  • Rare Varieties

Malvasia di Bosa – A Rare Sardinian Nectar

View Post
Next Article
Torbato
  • Rare Varieties

Torbato – A Rare Variety For Exceptional Sparkling Wine

View Post

You May Also Like

Etna Bianco, Catarratto, Carricante, Sicilian wine, Italian wine, volcanic wines
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wine

I’ve Never Met an Etna Bianco I Didn’t Like

Etna Rosso, Sicilian wines, Sicilian red wine, Italian wines, volcanic wines
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wine

Etna Rosso – A Sicilian Red Wine that Never Fails to Please

Panzale, Cantina Berritta, Sardinia wine, white wine, Italian white wine
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wine

Panzale – A Rare Sardinian Variety Saved from Near Extinction by Cantina Berritta

brachetto d'acqui, italian dessert wine, best sweet wines, italian wines
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wine

Brachetto d’Acqui: An Italian Wine to Savor with Desserts & Spicy Cuisine

Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wine

Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Discover Your Digital Marketing Flavor Profile

Winery digital marketing, wine social media marketing, winery brand messaging
about

About

Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for the adventurous at heart. Allow me to guide you into the world of wine, help you create unforgettable wine pairings, and inspire your wine travels to far off destinations. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together.
Read More

Let’s Connect!

Free resources

Watch Wine Masters TV

wine masters TV, wine documentary, learn about wine, wine movies, gaja, mastroberardino, antinori, italian wine, french wine, spanish wine
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Shop 90+ Cellars

Great Wine Delivered. Shop 90+ Cellars Wines today!

Rare Varieties

  • Etna Bianco, Catarratto, Carricante, Sicilian wine, Italian wine, volcanic wines
    • Rare Varieties
    • Wine

    I’ve Never Met an Etna Bianco I Didn’t Like

      • Rare Varieties
      • Wine
    View Post
  • Etna Rosso, Sicilian wines, Sicilian red wine, Italian wines, volcanic wines
    • Rare Varieties
    • Wine

    Etna Rosso – A Sicilian Red Wine that Never Fails to Please

      • Rare Varieties
      • Wine
    View Post
  • Panzale, Cantina Berritta, Sardinia wine, white wine, Italian white wine
    • Rare Varieties
    • Wine

    Panzale – A Rare Sardinian Variety Saved from Near Extinction by Cantina Berritta

      • Rare Varieties
      • Wine
    View Post
  • brachetto d'acqui, italian dessert wine, best sweet wines, italian wines
    • Rare Varieties
    • Wine

    Brachetto d’Acqui: An Italian Wine to Savor with Desserts & Spicy Cuisine

      • Rare Varieties
      • Wine
    View Post
  • Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
    • Rare Varieties

    Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post

Instagram

Posts You’ll Love

  • aromas in wine, wine tasting, red wine aromas, primary aromas
    Aromas in Wine: 25 of the Most Common Wine Aromas Explained
  • Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
    Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • Bud Break in Burgundy
    Bud Break, Flowering & Fruit Set – Nature’s Gift to Wine Lovers
  • Cannonau
    Sardinian Cannonau is a Global Contender
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
    Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine
Palm & Vine Wine Blog

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Featured Categories

Crostini Appetizer
Food & Wine
55 Posts
View Posts
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Musings
22 Posts
View Posts
Veraison Grapes
Rare Varieties
55 Posts
View Posts
Palm & Vine
Tastings & Events
19 Posts
View Posts
winemaking, wine country, wine region, vineyards
Wine
31 Posts
View Posts
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
Wineries
37 Posts
View Posts
Vigne Surrau Barrel Room
World of Wine
40 Posts
View Posts
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Free resources

Pinterest Profile

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to function and to track how you interact with the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More Cookie settings Accept
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

 

Loading Comments...