Sardegna, a large island to the west of Italy, is well known for producing very distinctive white and red wines. Approximately 85% of Sardegna consists of mountainous plateaus and although these areas are well suited to viticulture, they are rarely utilized. Instead, most vineyards are planted in the rolling hills and flatlands at lower levels.

The most commercially successful white grape is probably vermentino which finds its maximum expression in the Vermentino di Gallura which gained the DOCG status in 1997. The primary red grapes are cannonau (the Sardinian word for grenache), monica and carignano. While cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sangiovese are becoming increasingly popular as a response to the demands of the international market, commendable efforts are being made to continue cultivating local varieties.