2018 Anastasía Sardegna Semidano D.O.C., Cantina di Mogoro
The Variety – Semidano
Tell me wine lovers, have you heard of Semidano? This rare Italian white wine variety is native to the island of Sardinia with virtually no traceable genetic relatives. So, unless you have been lucky enough to travel to this gorgeous slice of paradise in the Mediterranean Sea, I’d venture to guess that Semidano is a new one for you. Ain’t no thing because this was my first time tasting this Sardinian wine and, honestly, I was impressed. Tasting wines made from rare varieties brings me so much joy in life and this Semidano definitely did the trick!
Before I get into this specific white wine from Sardinia, let’s talk a bit more about Semidano as a variety. In Sardinia, Semidano is mainly cultivated in the south-central zone of the island. The majority of Semidano can be found in the zones of Marmilla, Campidano, Mandrolisai, and Sarcidano. This Sardinian white wine variety tends to experience bud break the first week of April and is typically harvested around the second week of October. The hue of Semidano can vary depending on the producer, ranging from a pale yellow to an amber-yellow with amber reflections. Typical aromas and flavors of Semidano include pear, exotic fruits, caramel, acacia flower, and a resinous or balsamic note.
Following unsuccessful attempts at planting Semidano in other areas of Sardinia, Mogoro was recognized for producing Semidano with a unique expressiveness and helped establish the Sardegna Semidano D.O.C. in 1995.
The Wine – 2018 Anastasía Sardegna Semidano D.O.C., Cantina di Mogoro
I truly enjoyed this Semidano from Cantina di Mogoro. The whole bottle was completely and happily sipped in one night.
- 100% Semidano
- Short maceration on the skins, followed by low temperature fermentation and bâttonage for 40 days in steel tanks
- Beautiful straw yellow color with amber reflections
- Medium pronounced nose with notes of yellow flowers, pear, chamomile, thyme, rosemary, and minerals
- Floral and savory all at once
- Medium bodied with substantial yet delicate acidity and a focused, persistent finish
- More savory on the palate with notes of the salty Mistral breeze
- Perfect wine for seafood, we paired with prawn and zucchini risotto and it was perfection
The Winery – Cantina di Mogoro
Cantina di Mogoro is located in the southwestern zone of central Sardinia in a region called Alta Marmilla. Founded in 1956 by a small group of local growers and winemakers, today Cantina di Mogoro is one of the larger wineries in Sardinia, producing 800,000 bottles of wine per year from 350 hectares of vineyards. They are one of a handful of wineries on the island producing Semidano as a single-varietal wine, making this Italian white wine all the more special. In fact, Cantina di Mogoro is recognized for producing exceptional Semidano along with other native Sardinian varieties like Bovale, Monica, and Nuragus.
The Region
Alta Marmilla is located within the province of Sassari. The region is characterized by hilly terrain with a combination of calcareous and sandy soils. Alta Marmilla experiences a Mediterranean climate, as can be expected, with mild winters and hot summers with the influence of the salty Mistral. Average annual rainfall is around 500mm. Besides production of exquisite Italian white wine, the town of Mogoro is known for gorgeous tapestries and is home to around 4,500 people.
