Babbai Jolzi

Crafted in the wild hills above Luras, Babbai Jolzi is born from a philosophy of place and patient vinification. The grapes undergo gentle red winemaking, with 12–15 days of maceration at controlled temperature. The wine then matures 15–20 months in tank, followed by 6 months in bottle before release. This process respects Nebbiolo’s subtle evolution and allows expression of the local granite soils and maritime influence.

The wine’s identity is deeply tied to its terroir: Mediterranean sun, wild breezes, and a land steeped in tradition. Influenced by local legends and whispered comparisons to top Nebbiolos, Babbai Jolzi emerges as an audacious statement: bold yet subtle, powerful yet graceful.

At first sight, Babbai Jolzi displays a red hue with garnet hues. The bouquet offers fresh red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, delivering vibrant, almost sweet freshness. Subtle spice notes follow — clove, cinnamon, and even a hint of pepper — adding depth and a touch of warmth.

With air, earthy and herbal nuances emerge, evoking the Mediterranean macchia with rosemary, thyme, and a whisper of dried grass. On the palate, the wine shows an elegant, finely structured body, with a notably lively acidity. The tannins are well integrated, fine-grained, offering a gentle yet perceptible texture. Overall, the wine presents roundness and harmony, with firm spine and promising aging potential.

Amid the granite hills of Luras in northern Sardinia, Villa Lauras produces elegant, small-lot wines that capture the character and intensity of Gallura. The estate is devoted to Nebbiolo, a grape rooted in northern Italy but surprisingly well adapted to the island’s sun, wind, and mineral-rich terrain.

Introduced to Sardinia in the early 19th century, Nebbiolo di Luras has become part of the region’s viticultural identity, yielding wines of finesse and depth. The flagship Nebbiolo “Babbai Jolzi” (IGT Colli del Limbara) is made from 100% Nebbiolo di Luras, aged for 15–20 months before release.

Villa Lauras works closely with renowned oenologist Andrea Pala, whose expertise and deep understanding of Sardinia’s terroirs guide the estate’s pursuit of authenticity and excellence. In 2018, Pala was named Best Young Italian Winemaker by Gambero Rosso’s Guida Vini d’Italia, a recognition of his talent and dedication to crafting wines that express the soul of his homeland.

The resulting wines, and especially “Babbai Jolzi,” reveal aromas of red and black berries, balsamic notes, and wild herbs, supported by elegant tannins and fresh acidity. Their distinctive balance and sense of place have earned national acclaim — the 2020 vintage received the Grand Gold Medal at the Città del Vino international competition, standing out as the only Sardinian wine to achieve this highest honor.

Città del Vino International Wine Competition 2023: Grand Gold Medal 🥇

This competition in 2023 assessed approximately 1,400 wine entries from countries like Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Luxembourg, Croatia, and more. The Grand Gold is among the highest honors awarded.

Città del Vino International Wine Competition

The Città del Vino International Wine Competition is an annual event organized by the Italian association Città del Vino (“Wine Cities”), which brings together hundreds of municipalities linked to viticulture. The competition attracts wines from over 20 countries and is recognized by the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). Its goal is to promote wines that best express their terroir, authenticity, and sustainable production. Awards such as the Grand Gold Medal highlight wines of exceptional balance, structure, and identity.