Wine of the Week: Hospes – Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva Nepente di Oliena
Discovering Iolei in the Heart of Barbagia
We first encountered Iolei during our travels through Barbagia, one of the most authentic and rugged regions of Sardinia. At the foot of Monte Corrasi in Oliena, this small family-run winery reflects the deep connection between the land, its traditions, and a new generation of Sardinian winemakers.
Founded in 2015 by oenologist Antonio Puddu, the estate focuses on expressive wines made from the region’s most important grape varieties: Cannonau and Vermentino.
The vineyards are cultivated using organic practices, and the work in the cellar follows a minimal-intervention philosophy. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit, while the use of sulfites is kept as low as possible.
A distinctive feature of the winery is its collaboration with local Sardinian artists, who hand-decorate the bottles, turning each one into a unique piece of craftsmanship.
Hospes – The Spirit of Oliena
Among the wines produced by Iolei, Hospes represents the highest expression of the estate.
The name comes from the Latin word “Hospes”, meaning guest. It refers to the long tradition of hospitality in Oliena and to the famous travelers who once visited the region.
During a journey through Sardinia, Gabriele D’Annunzio, together with Edoardo Scarfoglio and Cesare Pascarella, encountered the wines of Oliena and celebrated them in their writings. From that moment on, Nepente di Oliena gained a near mythical reputation.
Hospes is produced only in exceptional vintages, using the finest Cannonau grapes grown on high-altitude vineyards on granite-weathered soils around Oliena.
After fermentation in stainless steel under controlled temperatures, the wine ages for 18 months in new French oak tonneaux, a process that allows the wine to develop depth, elegance and balance.
In the Glass
Hospes presents a ruby red color with garnet reflections, transparent and consistent.
The nose is intense and complex, revealing aromas of ripe berries, cherry in spirit, blackberry, blueberry and red currant, accompanied by notes of licorice, cinnamon, nutmeg and Mediterranean herbs.
On the palate the wine is dry, warm and smooth, with well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and persistent.
It is a wine that does not reveal all its character at the first sip, but gradually unfolds in the glass, showing increasing depth and harmony.
For the best experience, we recommend decanting the wine for 30 to 45 minutes.
Recognition
🏆 Tre Bicchieri – Gambero Rosso 2026
The highest award from the Gambero Rosso wine guide, recognizing outstanding wines from across Italy.
A Wine that Unfolds Over Time
What impressed us most about Hospes is how it evolves.
It is not a wine that seeks immediate impact. Instead, it gradually reveals its layers of fruit, spice and structure, telling a story that unfolds with every glass.
For us, it stands as one of the most compelling expressions of Cannonau Riserva from Nepente di Oliena.
