Majga: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC

Born from a sustainable approach that begins in the vineyard, Majga embodies the essence of natural winemaking. The grapes are hand-selected both in the field and in the cellar, then gently pressed to extract only the purest juice. Fermentation takes place with selected yeasts known for low sulphite production, followed by natural malolactic conversion. The wine matures briefly in stainless steel, resting on its lees and undergoing regular bâtonnage to build texture and roundness.

Every bottle of Majga is a small artistic statement: the label, designed by Francesca Ballarini, depicts a woman embracing the earth — a symbol of harmony, care, and the strong connection between land and craftsmanship. Each vintage of Iolei is paired with a unique artwork, making every bottle a one-of-a-kind piece.

A straw-yellow hue with golden reflections introduces an expressive bouquet of citrus, ripe stone fruit, and dried apricot, layered with delicate hints of almond and subtle minerality. On the palate, Majga is soft, full, and enveloping, with a lively acidity that gives structure and elegance. The depth of flavor unfolds slowly, combining roundness and a light tannic touch that enhances its savory balance.

The finish is long and harmonious, echoing notes of almond, citrus zest, and sea breeze. Perfect alongside aged cheeses, grilled meats, or seafood dishes.

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.

Concorso Nazionale del Vermentino 2023: Gold Medal

Awarded for aromatic purity and territorial expression.

5Star Wines Vinitaly 2024: 92 points

Scored for balance, minerality and precision.

Vinodabere – “Best Vermentino of Sardinia” 2025: 97/100 points

Majga 2023 listed among the highest-rated Vermentinos of Sardinia.

Vinodabere – “Best Vermentino of Sardinia” 2025: 97.1/100 points

Majga 2022 recognised for outstanding quality and territorial adherence.

Concorso Nazionale del Vermentino

The Concorso Nazionale del Vermentino is an Italian wine competition dedicated entirely to wines made from the Vermentino grape. Established to highlight the quality and diversity of Vermentino across Italy, the event brings together producers from regions such as Sardinia, Liguria, Tuscany, and Piedmont — all places where the variety has long-standing cultural and viticultural significance.

The competition is organized at national level and includes blind tastings conducted by panels of trained wine professionals, such as oenologists, sommeliers, and industry experts. Wines are assessed for their balance, aromatic precision, varietal typicity, and overall harmony. Only a limited proportion of entries receive medals, emphasizing the selectiveness and prestige associated with the awards.

Beyond ranking the best examples of the grape, the Concorso aims to promote Vermentino as one of Italy’s most expressive white varieties, encourage continuous improvement among producers, and offer consumers a clearer understanding of the stylistic range the grape can achieve. Over the years, the event has become a reference point for wineries seeking national visibility and for wine lovers interested in the latest high-quality expressions of Vermentino.

5Star Wines Vinitaly

The 5StarWines – The Book event is a premier wine selection organised by Vinitaly together with the Italian association Assoenologi. Vinitaly+2Vinitaly+2 Over multiple days of blind tastings held by an international panel of wine professionals, each participating wine is evaluated and given a score out of 100. Wines that achieve a score of 90/100 or higher are awarded inclusion in the guide “5StarWines – The Book,” signifying top-tier status.

Vinodabere

The “Best Vermentino of Sardinia” recognition by Vinodabere celebrates excellence in wines made from the native grape variety Vermentino across the island of Sardinia. This annual distinction is embedded within the wider Guida ai Migliori Vini della Sardegna (Guide to Sardinia’s Best Wines) curated by Vinodabere, where wines are meticulously evaluated and ranked according to their tastings and scores