Sardinian Wine Stories

Today’s tasting note focuses on Anastasìa Brut, a fine example of the growing wave of sparkling wines emerging across Sardinia. Reflecting a global trend, sparkling wine production on the island—traditionally known for its still wines—is steadily increasing, along with the experience of local winemakers and the quality of their creations.

Anastasìa Brut is produced by Cantina di Mogoro, located in central-west Sardinia, and made almost entirely from Semidano, a native grape variety that thrives in this area and shows an intriguing aptitude for sparkling winemaking. The wine is crafted using the Charmat method, with the second fermentation taking place in tank (as in Prosecco) rather than in bottle (as in Champagne).

Vineyard and Winemaking

The Semidano grapes come from guyot-trained vineyards in the countryside around Mogoro, growing on deep, calcareous, and well-drained soils that naturally favour the development of acidity and minerality—key traits for quality sparkling wines.

Harvesting takes place slightly earlier than full ripeness to ensure lower sugar levels and higher natural acidity. The grapes are hand-picked, placed in small crates, and quickly transported to the cellar for pressing. The must is left in contact with the skins for a few hours to enhance its aromatic richness before undergoing primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts.

The secondary fermentation then takes place in a pressurized tank, where the base wine slowly develops its bubbles—following the Charmat method—preserving the delicate aromas and freshness of the Semidano grape.

Tasting Profile

• Appearance: Pale lemon with bright green reflections and a fine, persistent perlage.
• Nose: Fresh and aromatic, displaying a mix of honeysuckle, white blossom, yellow apple, pear, and lemon, complemented by hints of thyme, saline breeze, and bread crust. The herbal and saline notes are characteristic of Semidano, providing a distinctive touch beyond the more fruit-forward style of Prosecco.
• Palate: Dry, with the typical balance of a brut style. The medium(+) acidity offers freshness without austerity, supported by a medium body and 12.5% alcohol. The fine mousse lends a gentle creaminess to the texture. The finish is medium, leaving behind a refreshing saline note and a subtle, pleasant bitterness.

Final Thoughts

Anastasìa Brut is a well-made, refreshing sparkling wine that combines approachability with character. While it shares some stylistic parallels with Prosecco due to its production method, the Semidano grape and the Mogoro terroir add a distinctive twist—less overtly fruity, more herbal and saline, with a touch of Mediterranean charm.

Its smooth texture and refined bubbles make it a versatile choice: perfect as an aperitif, but also well-suited to accompany fried starters (such as vegetable tempura or carciofi alla giudia) or fresh cheeses like mozzarella or primo sale.

A delightful expression of Sardinia’s growing expertise in sparkling winemaking, Anastasìa Brut stands as a promising ambassador for what this island can achieve when tradition meets innovation.