2017 Mesa Opale Vermentino DOC, Sardinia

Aromas of apricot, white spring flower, exotic fruit and Mediterranean brush shape the nose on this delicious white. Rounded, full-bodied and enveloping, the smooth, elegant palate offers juicy yellow peach, pineapple and pink grapefruit alongside a tangy saline note that gives it a savory close. 

92 points Kerin Okeefe wineenthusiast.com

Mesa Opale Vermentino DOC is a luminous and distinctly Mediterranean white wine that captures the coastal soul of southern Sardinia. The vineyards lie in the Sulcis area, close to the sea, where Vermentino thrives under intense sunlight tempered by constant marine breezes. Sandy and limestone influenced soils, along with the island’s dry climate, naturally limit yields and build concentration while preserving freshness. These conditions give Sardinian Vermentino its trademark combination of citrus clarity, herbal nuance and salty, sea spray character that sets it apart from mainland expressions.

Cantina Mesa was founded in 2004 as a collaboration between the Santadi cooperative and Gavino Sanna, one of Italy’s most influential creative directors, with the ambition of presenting Sardinian wine with both authenticity and a strong contemporary identity. Opale is one of Mesa’s most recognisable wines, designed to express Vermentino in a pure, textural and food driven style rather than a simple aromatic one. Vineyard work is meticulous, and winemaking focuses on preserving varietal character, with careful handling of fruit and restrained use of lees to add subtle texture without heaviness.

In the glass the wine shows a bright straw colour with green highlights. Aromas are fresh and expressive, offering lemon zest, white peach, pear and wild Mediterranean herbs, with a distinctive saline note that reflects the nearby sea. The palate is crisp yet gently rounded, delivering citrus and stone fruit framed by lively acidity and a clean, mineral finish that lingers with a salty edge. It is exceptionally food friendly, pairing beautifully with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, pasta with herbs and fresh cheeses, and while designed for immediate enjoyment, it also has the balance to evolve over three to five years, gaining more savoury and almond like complexity.

Mesa Opale Vermentino DOC is a vibrant expression of Sardinia’s coastline, combining freshness, texture and unmistakable sense of place, and offering a compelling snapshot of how well Vermentino performs in its island home.