Cixiri: Organic Sardinian chickpeas

Marmilla’s agricultural landscape is defined by Miocene hills, basalt plateaus, and mineral-rich soils, which contribute to legumes with balanced starch content and a clean, nutty taste.

The region’s semi-arid Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and steady winds, is well suited for chickpea cultivation. Organic farming practices used by Legumi Nannai rely on crop rotation, low soil disturbance, and natural soil regeneration, supporting strong and resilient plants.

In the heart of Marmilla—an ancient landscape of gentle Miocene hills and quiet basalt plateaus in south-central Sardinia—Antonio Vinci has cultivated almonds and chickpeas since 2014. The region’s name is believed to derive from its breast-shaped contours, with the iconic conical hill of Las Plassas acting as its natural landmark.

In 2017, Antonio converted his entire farm to organic agriculture. Today, his almond grove spans around 30 hectares, home to approximately 4,000 almond trees, nestled in the untouched hills near Tuili. His approach is defined by precision, respect for nature, and uncompromising care: all harvesting is done by hand, and the almonds are stored in their shells in clean, cool, dry, and dark conditions—always without touching the ground. This allows Antonio to shell and pack the almonds “to order,” ensuring a consistently fresh product. Every selection step is also carried out manually, reinforcing the exceptional quality of his harvest.

Alongside his almonds, Antonio grows chickpeas, cultivated with the same clean, natural philosophy that reflects the character of Marmilla.

Deeply rooted in his region, Antonio works closely with small producers across Campidano and the surrounding areas. His mission is to promote honest, natural foods while upholding the values of authenticity, regionality, and sustainability. Through him, we have also discovered outstanding local artisans, including Sebastiano’s torrone and the exceptional Grano Cappelli pasta of Laura Accalai (Selet).

Antonio’s profound connection to his land becomes especially visible through his photography: his Instagram profile reads like an ongoing love story between farmer, landscape, and trees—rewritten each year with the seasons.

The label on his products depicts the very view from his almond grove: the Nuraghe of Barumini on the left, the castle of Las Plassas in the centre, and the village of Tuili on the right. A tribute to nature, scents, and the calm beauty of his homeland—and to the dedication that defines every step of his work.