With summer approaching, there is one island that keeps coming up in every conversation, at the bar and on the radio: Sardinia. For me, it is a paradise to experience on the spot, but also to drink. And since many of you will be going there on holiday, I thought I would prepare a little map to keep in your pocket.

The big names

We start with Vermentino. The one from Gallura, in the northeast towards the Costa Smeralda, is the island's only DOCG: fresh, mineral, and fragrant. Heading southwest, in Sulcis, the Vermentino di Sardegna becomes softer and more Mediterranean. Then there is Cannonau, especially on the east side, between Dorgali and Oliena: a solar and generous red. And finally, my love at first sight, Carignano del Sulcis, towards Carloforte and Sant'Antioco. It grows as a bush vine, ungrafted, with roots directly in the sand near the sea. Wind and salt all year round, yet it produces elegant, savory reds with silky tannins.

Gems to discover

If you want to impress, look for Torbato di Alghero, a very rare white, floral and saline, surviving on just a few hectares. In Campidano there are Nuragus and Monica. And above all, Vernaccia di Oristano, an oxidative white that resembles nothing else. It is said to have been born from the tears of Santa Giusta: I leave the legend to you, but I highly recommend the wine.

At the table, as they do it

Vermentino with grilled fish, bottarga, and seafood. Young or rosé Cannonau with porceddu, lamb, and pecorini. Carignano with tuna, swordfish, or malloreddus. Monica with cured meats, Vernaccia with aged cheeses and sebadas. A curiosity to close: Sardinia is one of the Blue Zones, the areas of the world where people live the longest. I won't tell you that Cannonau is the reason, but it certainly doesn't hurt to enjoy life with a glass in hand.

Come and taste. If Sardinia calls to you but your holidays are still far away, come by for a glass: Coravin Wine Bar, Via Carlo Maderno 23, Lugano. Cheers!