Contini Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 0.375L 1998

Contini Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 1998 is a rare and deeply mature Sardinian white wine, presented in a 375 ml bottle. Made from the island’s distinctive Vernaccia di Oristano grape, it develops its remarkable complexity through many years of oxidative ageing beneath a layer of flor yeast. With its historic style and exceptional longevity, this is a captivating choice for collectors and adventurous wine lovers.

Tasting Notes
The wine shows a rich golden colour with amber highlights. Its expressive bouquet combines roasted hazelnuts, almond blossom and subtle oxidative nuances, revealing the depth gained through prolonged maturation. On the palate, it is dry, warm and impressively structured, with a concentrated texture and beautifully integrated maturity. The finish is long, persistent and distinctly almond-like, maintaining elegance despite its powerful character. Already fully mature, this Riserva is best enjoyed for its developed, complex profile. Properly stored, wines of this style can remain compelling for many years, evolving gradually towards even more pronounced nutty and savoury notes.

Production
The grapes come from vineyards between the lower Tirso Valley and the Sinis area, a renowned zone for Vernaccia di Oristano. Alluvial and sandy soils, threaded with fine clay, contribute body and aromatic persistence, while Sardinia’s warm, dry and windswept Mediterranean climate encourages excellent ripeness and concentration. Harvest takes place in mid-October, followed by gentle pressing and temperature-controlled white-wine fermentation. The wine then spends more than fifteen years in partly filled oak and chestnut casks, where flor yeast develops on the surface and supports its distinctive oxidative maturation.

Food & Serving
Its dry, nutty and savoury character makes it an excellent partner for aged pecorino, mature hard cheeses, bottarga, smoked fish and richly flavoured seafood dishes. It can also be served with roasted poultry or traditional Sardinian specialities. Serve lightly chilled at around 12–14°C. Decanting is not essential, but a short decant can help the wine open and may be useful for removing any natural sediment from this unfiltered, mature bottling.

Producer
Founded in 1898, Contini is one of Sardinia’s historic wineries and a leading ambassador for Vernaccia di Oristano. Based in the island’s western wine country, the estate has helped preserve and promote this distinctive traditional style, whose identity is shaped by flor ageing and long maturation in cask. This Riserva reflects Contini’s commitment to one of Sardinia’s most individual and historically significant wines.

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