Vinicola Cherchi
Sardinia
Established in 1970, Cherchi established themselves as one of the strongest advocates for Sardinia’s viticultural history. The winery is one of only a handful cultivating the indigenous Cagnulari grape, native to the northeastern hills around Usini. Giovanni Cherchi, founder of the estate, is largely credited with reviving and commercializing this variety. Vermentino and Cannonau are also grown here, seeing the same level of care and attention in the vineyard that they receive in the cellar. Winemaking is simple and unobtrusive to allow the varietal character of each wine to shine.
Wines
Cagnulari
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
Indigenous to Sardinia and grown almost exclusively in this corner of the island, Cherchi’s Cagnulari is the gold standard as to what the variety should taste like. Cultivated by Giovanni Cherchi as a point of regional pride, Cherchi ignored the mid-century trend of replanting old sites with international varieties. The result is more than a nice story though, as the wine itself gives simultaneous joy and nuance in its profile - appealing both to casual and discerning wine palates.
Cannonau
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
Sardinia’s most widely planted grape and point of cultural wine pride, it’s no wonder that Cherchi cultivates Cannonau in the hills around Usini. A mix of calcareous and clay soils in the Mistral influenced Sassari region provide a uniquely lifted style, which Cherchi puts on full display with minimal winemaking influence.
Tuvaoes Vermentino
Vermentino di Saregna DOC
Sourced from best bunches of a single vineyard in Cherchi’s estate, Tuvaoes is a standard-bearer for high quality Sardinian Vermentino. Featuring a fine concentration of flavors, Tuvaoes is textured and rich while showing off a depth of minerality that this corner of the island is known for, a result of Mistral Wind influence that precedes the Rhône Valley.
Billia Cagnulari
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
The Billia line represents an approachable style of Cherchi’s famed indigenous varieties, crafted in stainless steel. This unfussy approach allows the varietal character of the wines to shine and while providing an immensely pleasurable experience. The wine is named after the founder of the winery, Billia Cherchi, who brought the indigenous Cagnulari grape out of near extinction.
Billia Vermentino
Vermentino di Saregna DOC
The Billia line represents an approachable style of Cherchi’s famed indigenous grapes, crafted in stainless steel. This unfussy approach allows the varietal character of the wines to shine while providing a jubilant drinking experience. Billia refers to a marble or billiard ball and is the affectionate nickname for Cherchi’s founder.
People
Giovanni "Billia" Cherchi
Giovanni "Billia" Cherchi founded his namesake estate in the 70's to preserve and promote indigenous Sardinian grape varieties. Holding true to that mission for over four decades, Cherchi revitalized the Cagnulari grape and became one of the most highly regarded estates on the island. Billia roughly translates to "marble" or "billiard ball" and is Giovanni's affectionate nickname.
