Alessandro Dettori

Tenute Dettori

We're a family of shepherds and farmers who've been making authentic, original, local wines since the early 20th century. The wine was always sold in bottles until 1981, when Paolo began bottling some of it. Tenute Dettori is located in the extreme north-west of Sardinia, in the Romangia del Logudoro, a "golden spot" between Sassari and Castelsardo, where we are the custodians of the "Badde Nigolosu" cru. In this historic, inland area of Cannonau, on the highest hills, a natural theater overlooking the Gulf of Asinara 4 km from the sea, Tenute Dettori cultivates in Badde Nigolosu only ancient clones of Sardinian grapes treated according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture, with natural vinification and aging exclusively in cement. We don't need wood to tame the tannins. It's only thanks to skilful work in the vineyards that the grapes arrive in the cellar with all the characteristics needed to produce a great wine.

The bush-grown vines live in the heart of an unspoilt environment, protected by 20 hectares of Mediterranean scrubland, between 250 and 300 meters above sea level. The sea regulates the climate and the strength of the light. Each vineyard produces a single wine (clos) with unique and unrivalled characteristics that immediately evoke Romangia, the historic terroir of Vermentino, Moscato di Sorso-Sennori and Cannonau, whose specific clone bears its own name here: Retagliadu Nieddu.

In the years when people were convinced that traditional vines were not enough to make great wines, we were the only ones in Sardinia to emphasize terroir by believing in and ennobling traditional vines, vinifying them naturally in purity, in separate cabinets. We were the first to believe in biodynamic agriculture and natural winemaking.

From the outset, Alessandro deliberately refrained from using "Doc Sardegna (cannonau and vermentino)" because they were too far removed from his work. He wanted to highlight the terroir, not the grapes from which it was made. The grape is one of the many cultural elements of a terroir, not the most important. With the IGT, we knew we couldn't indicate the grape variety, but that's what convinced us of the choice. Despite great difficulties, he chose the "ROMANGIA IGT" appellation.

It was a difficult choice to make ourselves heard by speaking only of Territory instead of putting the grape variety forward. Today, twenty-five years later, we're happy to note that in Sardinia, we speak of territorial appellations rather than grape variety appellations, that we try to work the grapes in purity and that we indicate on the label the vineyard from which the grapes come.

Over time, our work has become known and recognized for the uniqueness of the wines, the place, but also for the people who inhabit Badde Nigolosu, bearers of experience, professionalism and identity. We have always worked to serve our terroir, without compromise. But we've never been alone. Many wine enthusiasts and professionals have placed their trust in us. They have tasted, selected, talked about and sold our wines. Over the years, Badde Nigolosu wines have met the most renowned professionals in the wine world. Without them, we wouldn't be here today.

Selection

Renosu Rosso

A fragrant, simple, true wine. The red to open with friends, for a glass of great pleasure, a real joker to match. Renosu, which means sand in the Sardinian language, derives from the traditional custom, for everyday wines, of blending wines from different red grape varieties.

To the eye, Renosu Rosso is ruby red with a garnet-red rim. The aromatic ensemble is defined by notes of blackberry, candied cherry, coffee powder and graphite, combined with Mediterranean notes of myrtle, olive pate and rosemary, as well as pleasant, perfectly integrated wine notes.

The entry into the mouth is round and immediate, quickly invigorated by the marked savory timbre and delicate tannic texture, in a progression consistent with the olfactory sensations. A spontaneous and extraordinarily typical interpretation, accessible and satisfying at the same time.

Renosu Rosso exalts with medium-bodied dishes flavored with Mediterranean herbs, as well as well-aged cow's milk cheeses and cured meats, lamb and rabbit stews. It's a versatile red wine that can also be paired with seafood dishes, such as complex swordfish preparations, moscardini à la marinière, savory fish soups or octopus à la luciane.

Renosu Bianco

A fragrant wine, simple and straightforward: very pleasant to drink chilled. An everyday white wine that combines the complexity of acidity with the strength of sweetness.

Renosu Bianco expresses a singular copper-gold color, clear and brilliant. Fine, fragrant notes of ripe pear, peach, white flowers, fennel and Mediterranean maquis, combined with pastry notes reminiscent of butter and cinnamon. The whole is supported by sparkling sensations of the sea in a soft, mineral context. The palate is enveloping, soft and subtle all at once, with a pleasant salty aftertaste that accompanies the honeyed, floral finish. A pure, pleasing expression of great harmony.

Renosu Bianco pairs well with well-structured fish dishes, creamy risottos or an assortment of medium-aged cheeses. It is also ideal with tempura, vegetable quiches, vegetable and seafood creams and Thai dishes that are not too spicy.