Blog: Atilio Contini · Sardegna

Atilio Contini's concentrated white wines, reminiscent of sherry, may divide minds, but the policy of the house, now in its fourth generation, certainly does not. Contini is widely and undisputedly considered the savior and preserver of one of the strangest and most remarkable growths of the island of Sardinia. Since grandfather Salvatore founded the winery over 100 years ago, the reputation of the wine made from the autochthonous Vernaccia di Oristano was largely ruined by mass production. Only the House of Contini has successfully resisted this trend as a rock. Even today, in Via Genova in Cabras, Vernaccia di Oristano is prepared with the greatest care and in the special way that once made it famous. In the large halls, some of which are abandoned, huge chestnut and oak barrels are waiting to refine the wine, storing it for up to 15 years. For all that, Contini not only has its own vineyards, but also buys grapes from various winemakers in the lower Tirso Valley who are traditionally associated with the house. Recently Contini has also been producing more red wines, including Nieddera. But reputation and fame will certainly continue to be earned for quite some time by the various, highly remarkable Vernaccia wines. - Gerardo [TS12/22]