Capichera: Sardegna Vermentino Reinvented in the Late 1970s

Along the northeastern coast of Sardegna lie the granite rocks of Gallura, a wild area known for boulder-scattered hills, dense forests and an ancient history recognized by UNESCO World Heritage. This is the region Capichera calls home.

A family legacy of passion

By the late 1970s, a local family had changed the way the world would see Vermentino. They saw the potential of this humble grape and knew it could reach its full expression if vinified as a single varietal. Even more revolutionary, they decided to promote aging Vermentino in barriques. These choices created a Vermentino that is structured, age-worthy and unlike anything tasted before. They also laid the foundation for a philosophy of continuous, attentive work always devoted to respect for nature.

Some of Capichera's oldest vineyards grow on some of the "Tombs of the Giants," ancient archaeological sites scattered across the island. As a nod to this history, these communal burial tombs appear on several of the labels. Capichera became a model of the highest quality wines, matched with continuous research.

After 40 years of innovation, Capichera entered its next chapter. Since 2022, the new ownership has kept its focus on pure Vermentino and Cannonau wines while aiming to preserve and renew the estate, including strengthening the soils, vineyards and winery against climate change.

The land behind the wines

Sardegna's roots trace back to the Nuragic civilizations of the Bronze and Iron Ages. The island has been isolated for thousands of years, which makes it unique culturally and agriculturally, as its ancient vines show. Historians have even traced Cannonau, also known as Grenache, back to the island rather than to France or Spain.

The jagged Gallura terrain is harsh, forcing vines to struggle for water and nutrients. They are often planted facing north to offset the region's intense heat. Diurnal swings, especially near the coast, help maximize the grapes' acidity while preserving flavor. Together these factors produce concentrated, complex wines, especially Vermentino. Vermentino di Gallura is the only DOCG in Sardegna, known for being more mineral-forward and herbaceous than Vermentino made elsewhere on the island.

Capichera's wines

Capichera grows several iconic Sardinian varieties:

• Vermentino in both the signature barrel-aged style and a stainless steel version, a crisper expression of the grape.
• Carignano for both the rosé and the reds.
• Syrah in blends and in a single-varietal style, alongside other native varieties.

Find Capichera at Eataly stores and wine shops, or order online to have the wines delivered right to your door.