Contini Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 0.375L 1997

Contini Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 1997 (0.375L) is a rare, time‑worn treasure from Sardinia, crafted from the island’s native Vernaccia di Oristano grape. Aged for over two decades in oak and chestnut casks under a veil of flor yeast, it offers a deeply complex, oxidative style reminiscent of fine sherry, yet unmistakably Sardinian. This half-bottle format is perfect for discovering one of Italy’s most singular and historic white wines in an intimate, contemplative pour.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Riserva shows a deep amber to burnished topaz hue, with golden highlights that speak to its long evolution in cask. The nose is intensely expressive and layered: toasted hazelnuts, almonds, candied orange peel, dried apricot and figs, with notes of salted caramel, chamomile, varnished wood, and a hint of iodine and sea breeze that evokes its maritime origin. On the palate, it is dry, powerful and beautifully oxidative, with a vibrant, salty backbone that keeps the richness in perfect check. Flavors of roasted nuts, orange zest, dried fruit, baked apple, and spice unfold gradually, wrapped in a firm structure and long, savory finish. The texture is silky yet taut, with a subtle bitter-almond twist that is characteristic of Vernaccia di Oristano. Thanks to its high acidity and oxidative aging, this 1997 Riserva still has excellent aging potential; properly stored, it can continue to evolve for many more years, gaining even greater aromatic complexity and depth.

Production
Vernaccia di Oristano is grown around the Gulf of Oristano on Sardinia’s western coast, where sandy, calcareous soils and constant sea breezes create an ideal environment for this ancient, late-ripening grape. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and selection, preserving the natural concentration and acidity needed for extended maturation. After fermentation, the wine is aged for over 20 years in a traditional solera‑like system of old oak and chestnut casks, often not completely filled, allowing controlled oxidation and the development of a natural flor yeast on the surface. This slow, patient aging under flor is what builds the wine’s haunting complexity and its distinctive nutty, saline profile.

Food & Serving
This is a contemplative wine that pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful dishes and aged specialties. Try it with hard and blue cheeses, aged pecorino, foie gras, pâtés, or smoked fish; it is also exceptional with almonds, roasted nuts, bottarga, and complex seafood preparations, as well as traditional Sardinian pastries and desserts featuring honey and nuts (served more as a contrast in texture than sweetness). Serve slightly chilled, around 12–14°C (54–57°F), to allow the full aromatic complexity to emerge. A brief decanting of 20–30 minutes can help the wine open up, especially for an older vintage like 1997, but it should be treated gently and enjoyed slowly as it evolves in the glass.

Producer
Founded in 1898, Contini is one of Sardinia’s historic producers and the benchmark name for Vernaccia di Oristano. Based in the Oristano area on the island’s west coast, the estate has long championed this unique, oxidative style of wine, helping to preserve and elevate a tradition that dates back centuries. Contini’s Vernaccia di Oristano bottlings—especially the Riservas—are widely regarded as reference points for the appellation, earning critical acclaim in Italy and abroad. By combining deep local roots with meticulous cellar work and long, patient aging, Contini has become a guardian of one of Italy’s most distinctive and culturally significant wine styles.

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