Arborea takes its name from the old Judicate of Arborea, the medieval Sardinian kingdom whose capital was Oristano. The DOC, recognised by the decree of 4 May 1987, covers the province of Oristano, on the central-western coast of Sardinia. It is a very small appellation: registered vineyards amount to about one hectare.
Two mainland grapes
Curiously, the Arborea DOC is not built on the island's traditional grapes but on two grapes from central Italy. The Trebbiano requires at least 85% Romagnolo or Tuscan Trebbiano and may be still, frizzante, dry or medium-sweet. The Sangiovese, red or rosé, requires at least 85% Sangiovese. Minimum alcohol is 10.5%, and the regulations set no minimum ageing periods: these are wines to drink young.
The Trebbiano is pale straw yellow, with delicate aromas of flowers and white fruit, fresh and light; the frizzante version is lively and refreshing. The red Sangiovese has red fruit and a hint of violet, the rosé is fresh and fruity.
At the table
The Trebbiano goes with seafood starters, molluscs, grilled fish and vegetables; the medium-sweet with fruit and dry pastries. The rosé suits pizza, tomato-based pasta and oily fish, the red white meats and cured meats. The same province produces Vernaccia di Oristano, a long-aged white, and the whole island Vermentino di Sardegna.
