Pala 'Stellato' Vermentino, Sardinia, Italy 2023
The Pala family has been farming the vine-covered hills of Serdiana in southern Sardinia since 1950. Under Mario Pala's stewardship from 1995, the estate transitioned from bulk to quality-focused production across six vineyard areas totaling 68 hectares, each planted according to the unique microclimate and soil of the individual site. The estate practices certified organic farming throughout. 'Stellato' — Italian for "full of stars" — is Pala's flagship white, vinified from a single old-vine parcel and considered the five-star expression of the estate's Vermentino work.
- WINEMAKER: Severino Concu
- FARMING: Certified Organic, Certified Sustainable, Vegan.
- VARIETY: 100% Vermentino
- TERROIR: Single vineyard: 'Is Crabilis,' Municipality of Ussana. Sandy and clayey-calcareous soils at 150–180m ASL, southeast-facing exposure, with vines approximately 50 years of age. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate of southern Sardinia is moderated by sea breezes, contributing to the grape's characteristic salinity and aromatic intensity.
- VINIFICATION: Juice obtained from soft pressing is fermented in stainless steel vats with native yeasts at a controlled temperature of 15°C
- AGING: After fermentation, the wine remains in stainless steel on its fine lees for 6 months before bottling.
- TASTING NOTES: Intense straw yellow with bright greenish reflections. Persistent bouquet of herbs, white flowers, and stone fruit. Fresh acidity with citrus and a brininess reminiscent of the sea, with a long, inviting finish
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled seafood, shellfish and crustaceans, mild white fish with light sauces, seafood risotto.
- SCORES: 94 pts. Vinous (2023 vintage) 92 pts. James Suckling (2023 vintage)
Pala 'Stellato' Vermentino, Sardinia, Italy 2023
The Pala family has been farming the vine-covered hills of Serdiana in southern Sardinia since 1950. Under Mario Pala's stewardship from 1995, the estate transitioned from bulk to quality-focused production across six vineyard areas totaling 68 hectares, each planted according to the unique microclimate and soil of the individual site. The estate practices certified organic farming throughout. 'Stellato' — Italian for "full of stars" — is Pala's flagship white, vinified from a single old-vine parcel and considered the five-star expression of the estate's Vermentino work.
- WINEMAKER: Severino Concu
- FARMING: Certified Organic, Certified Sustainable, Vegan.
- VARIETY: 100% Vermentino
- TERROIR: Single vineyard: 'Is Crabilis,' Municipality of Ussana. Sandy and clayey-calcareous soils at 150–180m ASL, southeast-facing exposure, with vines approximately 50 years of age. The warm, dry Mediterranean climate of southern Sardinia is moderated by sea breezes, contributing to the grape's characteristic salinity and aromatic intensity.
- VINIFICATION: Juice obtained from soft pressing is fermented in stainless steel vats with native yeasts at a controlled temperature of 15°C
- AGING: After fermentation, the wine remains in stainless steel on its fine lees for 6 months before bottling.
- TASTING NOTES: Intense straw yellow with bright greenish reflections. Persistent bouquet of herbs, white flowers, and stone fruit. Fresh acidity with citrus and a brininess reminiscent of the sea, with a long, inviting finish
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled seafood, shellfish and crustaceans, mild white fish with light sauces, seafood risotto.
- SCORES: 94 pts. Vinous (2023 vintage) 92 pts. James Suckling (2023 vintage)