Sardinian Wine Stories

Cherchi’s Tuvaoes is another compelling demonstration of what Sardinia can achieve with Vermentino across its diverse soils and microclimates. Produced in the area of Usini, in the province of Sassari (north-west Sardinia), this wine does not fall within the Vermentino di Gallura denomination of the north-east. Yet it stands as one of the island’s most convincing alternatives. Tuvaoes displays many of the hallmarks of great Vermentino di Gallura—finesse, minerality, and refined aromatics—while expressing a distinct identity shaped by the chalk-rich soils of the Coros sub-region and Cherchi’s measured, thoughtful winemaking approach.

Vineyard and Winemaking

The grapes for Tuvaoes are grown in the Coros region, a few kilometres south of Sassari—one of Sardinia’s most suitable areas for high-quality Vermentino. The vineyards are characterised by clay soils rich in chalk/limestone, capable of imparting notable elegance, minerality, and ageing potential to the wines.

Located on the hills of Tuvaoes at around 200 metres above sea level, the vines are trained in Guyot on vertical trellising, with yields limited to no more than 70 quintals per hectare. Harvest is carried out manually at optimal ripeness, typically in the second half of September.

A mild climate, moderated by nearby sea breezes and marked diurnal temperature variation, supports balanced phenolic maturity alongside vibrant acidity.

In the cellar, the grapes undergo gentle pressing to obtain only the finest free-run must. Fermentation takes place with selected yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel at around 17 °C.

Ageing continues primarily in stainless steel, preserving freshness and aromatic precision, with a small proportion (around 5%) matured in French oak barriques to enhance texture, complexity, and softness without overwhelming varietal purity.

Tasting Profile

• Appearance: Pale lemon with delicate green-silver reflections.
• Nose: Intense and refined, showing classic Vermentino markers of green almond, orange blossom, and white flowers, alongside apple, pear, white peach, and Scotch broom. Subtle notes of dried herbs, vanilla, yeast, chalky minerality, and a faint hint of mint add complexity.
• Palate: Dry, with medium(+) acidity and 13.5% alcohol, giving excellent balance. The wine is medium(+)-bodied yet notably elegant and refreshing. A gently rounded texture is counterbalanced by delicate chalky mineral grip. Flavours mirror the nose, with a distinctive yet subtle mint nuance.
• The medium(+) finish is persistent and structured, notably lacking the pronounced bitterness found in some expressions of Vermentino.

Final Thoughts

Tuvaoes is a strikingly elegant interpretation of Vermentino, and a wine every lover of the variety should encounter. It combines classic varietal signatures—bitter almond, floral notes, Mediterranean herbs—with distinctive nuances such as white peach, mint, and chalky minerality, which together create a refined and recognisable identity.

Its structure and balance allow for short-term ageing (up to around five years), though it is equally compelling when enjoyed young. It performs beautifully on its own as an apéritif on a warm Sardinian evening, and pairs naturally with seafood, particularly crustaceans or clams, whose gentle sweetness complements the wine’s texture, subtle vanilla tones, and understated spice.

A poised, expressive Vermentino that speaks clearly of place, restraint, and precision..