Sa Raja Kintari Vermentino di Gallura DOCG

The vines are Guyot-trellised and grow south-facing, at 400-500m altitude. The soil is a combination of sand, loam, clay and quartz. The 100% Vermentino grapes are hand-harvested towards the middle of September. After destemming and soft pressing at low temperatures, the wine is fermented in stainless steel over a period of 15 days. The wine spends 6 to 8 months on fine lees, and a further 2 months in bottle before release.

Saraja, a new project established in the Gallura region of northern Sardinia, is one of the island’s most exciting new producers, excelling with all 3 of its key varieties (Vermentino, Cannonau and Carignano).

Mark Hartmann is effectively the ‘front-man’ for the project, but this is in fact a collaboration between a team of five, all with a wealth of previous wine experience. They also work with renowned Italian consultant and winemaker Federico Curtaz. Despite many of the group having their roots in northern Italy, in Valle d’Aosta, they have a shared belief in the potential that Sardinia has to offer.

The Saraja winery, just completed, overlooking the sea, houses the latest technology and winemaking facilities. The estate consists of 49 hectares of owned vineyards near the winery in Gallura, between Telti, Monti and Calangianus. Mount Limbara, the highest mountain to the north of Sardinia, looks over their vineyards to the west. Gallura is the heartland of Vermentino, the mainstay of Saraja’s production.

They further bolster their portfolio with Sardinian reds from the best-regarded areas of production. They have prime vineyard sites under long lease in Romangia (north-western Sardinia) and Ogliastra (to the east) where they cultivate Cannonau; and Carignano grapes are currently bought in from selected growers in Sulcis, the south-western tip of the island.

The quality of the portfolio shows through, and after just a few vintages their reputation is growing – the result of exceptional wines and a consistency that is hard to find in Sardinia.