Authenticity and tradition are at the center of everything involving Audarya. Enrico Pala, with his daughter Nicoletta and son Salvatore, have a philosophy that is at the root of Audarya’s winemaking. Their tradition goes back to Enrico’s father Salvatore, who planted the first vineyards in 1940.
The name Audarya means “nobility of the soul.” The winemaking tradition in Serdiana goes back to ancient times, populated by the Nuragic civilization prior to the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, then changing control through medieval times through the 18th century.
The Pala family (pictured above) combine modern best practices, such as time and temperature-controlled fermentation, with a soft touch that maximizes the flavor and aroma expressions of the grapes. Soft pressing and natural decanting are examples of of the delicate handling from grape to fermented wine. But at the core of their winemaking are several principles: 100% varietal wines, produced from locally important grapes in Southeast Sardegna; no wood aging except on the Nuracada Bovale, and great care in the vineyard to minimize cellar intervention.
While Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean, it is a land of farming, shepherds, and sheep; these characteristics figure prominently in its cuisine. While seafood may be experienced, there is also an abundance of roasted lamb, culurgiones (dumplings) with tomato sauce or pesto, and fregole, a small semolina pasta shape similar to large couscous. It is also known to have the sharpest pecorino–sheep’s milk cheese–in all of Italy.
Products:
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC: a crisp white wine made from a varietal traditionally grown in Sardinia. This wine is intensely aromatic and reminds one of standing in a field of wildflowers; it also offers a complex array of fruit, mineral, and baked bread. Data Sheet
Nuragus di Cagliari DOC: made from the Nuragus grape, an ancient white varietal named after the Nuragic civilization. This grape is special to the southeast of Sardinia, and the Pala family rightfully takes much pride in the wine they produce from it. Data Sheet
Monica di Sardegna DOC: another varietal dating to ancient times, Monica is the everyday red wine consumed in Sardegna (and by Enrico Pala, the father of Salvatore and Nicoletta). A medium bodied and expressive red wine, perfect with culurgiones or ravioli with tomato sauce. Data Sheet
Cannonau di Sardegna DOC: Cannonau is genetically the same as Grenache/Garnacha. It is special in Sardinia, and diverse in its vinification across the island. Audarya’s Cannonau profiles ripe fruit with a freshness that speaks to the Mistral winds that cool the vineyards. Excellent with grilled meats and vegetables. Data Sheet
Watch a video tasting with Nicoletta Pala:
