Hospes

Hospes embodies the spirit of hospitality that has long defined Oliena and its people. The name itself comes from the Latin “Hospes, -itis,” meaning “guest,” a nod to the generous welcome once extended to illustrious travelers such as Gabriele D’Annunzio, Edoardo Scarfoglio, and Cesare Pascarella during their journey through Sardinia. Moved by the beauty and authenticity of the region, D’Annunzio immortalized Oliena’s wine in his writings, bestowing upon Nepente di Oliena a near-mythical status.

Crafted only in exceptional vintages, Hospes is the pinnacle of the Iolei estate’s pursuit of excellence. Made from the finest Cannonau grapes grown on high-altitude, granite-weathered slopes around Oliena, it reflects both the rugged nature of the land and the precision of modern craftsmanship.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures, followed by 18 months of refinement in new French oak tonneaux with fine grain — a patient process that brings depth, elegance, and roundness to the wine.

In the glass, Hospes reveals an intense bouquet of ripe red fruit, licorice, and vanilla, intertwined with subtle notes of Mediterranean scrub and delicate spices. On the palate, it unfolds with vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and remarkable depth, leading to a long, harmonious finish that captures the soul of Oliena’s ancient vineyards.

A wine that recalls a story which unfolds and evolves over time. We recommend decanting it for 30 to 45 minutes to allow it to reach its full potential.

At the foot of Monte Corrasi in Oliena, the Iolei winery is a small family-run estate that combines Sardinia’s ancient winemaking tradition with a contemporary spirit. Founded in 2015 by oenologist Antonio Puddu, the winery reflects a deep connection to the wild landscape and traditions of the Barbagia region.

Iolei focuses on characterful wines made from Cannonau and Vermentino. The estate follows organic cultivation methods and aims for minimal intervention both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit, and the use of sulfites is reduced as much as possible.

Among the standout wines is the Vosté Cannonau, a powerful red wine with aromas of wild berries, herbs, and the typical Mediterranean vegetation. The Majga Vermentino, a naturally cloudy white wine with golden reflections, impresses with notes of citrus, pineapple, and white pepper. The Juntos Rosato, made from Cannonau, offers a lively and refreshing interpretation of this important grape variety.

A distinctive feature of Iolei is its collaboration with local artists, who hand-decorate the bottles, turning each one into a unique piece of Sardinian craftsmanship.

Gambero Rosso 2026: 🍷🍷🍷 Tre bicchieri rossi / Three glasses

Gambero Rosso

The Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award by Gambero Rosso represents one of the highest honors in the world of Italian wine. Since its creation in 1988, the Vini d’Italia guide by Gambero Rosso has become Italy’s most respected and influential wine reference, recognized internationally for its rigorous tasting process and authority.

Each year, thousands of wines from across Italy are tasted blind by expert panels. Only those that stand out for their balance, complexity, and authentic expression of terroir receive the coveted Three Glasses rating — a symbol of excellence reserved for less than one percent of all entries.