Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva Contini 1997 (37,5 cl)

This Vernaccia is obtained from the 'high ground' (Gregori) of the Sinis peninsula, near Cabras near ' Oristanese, brown, sun-drenched soil, planted with ancient vines, still cultivated like small trees. The best grapes are carefully selected according to traditional methods and the wine is aged for eight to ten years in oak barrels. It is these factors which give this splendid wine its strong and characterful aroma, an aroma that is reminiscent of toasted hazelnuts and almond flowers. The wine is a golden yellow with an amber reflection. It tastes dry, warm and full, very well-structured with a final long-lasting sensation that has an almond-like characteristic. Contains sulphites. Produced by Azienda Vinicola Contini s.p.a. - Via Genova, n. 48-50 - 09072, Cabras - Oristano - Italy.

The producer

The Contini company, founded in 1898 by Salvatore Contini, is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine-making companies in Sardinia. The fact that the company, which is still family-run, is relatively small means maximum care and attention can be given to the selection of grapevines and the grapes, as well as to the wine-making process and the ageing of the wine, all of which respect ancient local traditions.

Best with

This wine is excellent at the end of a meal, or indeed on its own. It is splendid with sweets based on almonds and with Italian "pasticceria".

How to serve it

The wine should be served at 16 degrees centigrade in clear, transparent crystal goblets.

How to keep

This wine can be aged for a very long time, more than thirty years, if it is kept in an ideal environment. The bottles should be laid horizontally in a cool, dark, humid wine-cellar.