I have reviewed two wines from Capichera, from the 2021 to 2023 vintages, across Isola dei Nuraghi and Vermentino di Sardegna. All are Vermentino. Scores range from 93 to 97, averaging 95; the highest is the 2021 Capichera “Santigaini” Vermentino Isola dei Nuraghi IGT Sardegna (97 points).
Capichera is the reference point for high-end Vermentino in Italy. Set in the granite landscape of Gallura, in the north-east of Sardinia, the family estate led a Vermentino revolution on the island with its hillside vineyards and refined winemaking, and it was the first to vinify the grape in barrique, proving that Vermentino could make wines of structure and ageing potential.
The flagship is “Santigaini”, a single-vineyard Vermentino first released in 2003, named after the Gallurese word for October, when the grapes reach their peak. Nine months in stainless steel followed by six in barrique add weight without costing freshness: the 2021 shows honey, citrus, herbs, lavender and salt over ripe stone fruit, with a mineral drive and a long finish. Unusually for a white, it has five to ten years of ageing potential.
“Lintori” is the fresher, steel-fermented counterpoint, full of citrus zest, white peach, wild herbs and a saline note that recalls the coast. The estate also makes Carignano, but Capichera is fundamentally a white-wine icon that turned a humble local grape into a luxury wine.
The Santigaini represents Capichera’s flagship Vermentino wine from a single vineyard which derives its name from the Gallurese word for
2021 Capichera “Santigaini” Vermentino Isola dei Nuraghi IGT Sardegna Read Post »
The Capichera “Lintóri” Vermentino di Sardegna is a standout white wine from Capichera, one of the most iconic producers of
