Vernaccia di Oristano

Vernaccia di Oristano is a distinct Sardinian white grape of the lower Tirso valley around Oristano — unrelated to the Vernaccias of San Gimignano or the Marche, which share only the generic old name 'Vernaccia'. It is the sole grape of the Vernaccia di Oristano DOC.

It is famous for a flor-aged, oxidative, sherry-like white: aged in part-filled casks under a film of flor yeast for years, it develops golden-to-amber colour and complex aromas of almond, dried fruit, flor and salinity, with a dry, savoury, bitter-almond finish. Superiore and Riserva involve extended ageing.