Sardinian Wine Stories

Bessìu 2021 from Audarya is a striking expression of Nasco, one of Sardinia’s native grape varieties currently undergoing a renaissance. Traditionally used for sweet white wines, Nasco is now proving its exceptional character in dry expressions, and Audarya’s interpretation stands out as a fine example.

Vineyard and Winemaking

Audarya, based in Serdiana—like the renowned Argiolas (by the way, did I already mention that the area of Serdiana is one of Sardinia’s best terroirs? No wonder so many good producers are based there)—crafts this wine from vines cultivated on the marly soils of Su Stani Saliu. The vineyard, around 20 years old, is planted with a mix of bush-trained (alberello) and low-trellised (spalliera bassa) vines. With yields kept below 60 hectoliters per hectare, this terroir produces wines with richness, minerality, and longevity.

Hand-harvest takes place in mid-September, ensuring optimal grape ripeness and selection. The fermentation then takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the aromas. Following fermentation, Bessìu matures for nine months on fine lees in stainless steel, enhancing its texture and complexity before bottling.

Tasting Profile

• Appearance: Pale lemon with delicate green-lemon reflections.

• Nose: The winemaking choices allow us to enjoy an intense and intriguing bouquet of hay, ripe apple, Barbary fig, and subtle hints of pineapple. Herbal notes of eucalyptus, mint, and rosemary intertwine with saline undertones, alongside secondary and tertiary nuances of yeast, almond paste, and soft cheese.

• Palate: The wine is dry, offering a unique balance of full body, soft roundness, and refreshing acidity, making it approachable yet sophisticated. Its fruity character is complemented by lingering herbal and balsamic notes, adding an enjoyable complexity. Its alcohol level (14%) compounds its substance and structure, also highlighted by the slow tears that appear in the glass after swirling. The wine’s texture is notably creamy, with a succulence that balances its vibrant freshness. The finish leaves a lasting impression of minerality and delicate bitterness.

Final Thoughts

Bessìu is a gourmand wine, perfect for pairing with shellfish at a Sardinian seaside restaurant, but equally enjoyable on its own, given its sheer depth and elegance. Unlike a light apéritif wine, Bessìu is best savored slowly, perhaps after dinner, when one can fully indulge in its evolving aromas and flavors.

Quintessentially Mediterranean, it captures the essence of the Sardinian macchia in a glass. A remarkable blend of typicity and complexity, it offers an almost unbelievable value—priced at under €20 in Italian retailers—yet demands a bit of attention to appreciate in full. A wine worth discovering!