Cantina Atzei

Cantina Atzei is Valentino Sciotti's newest venture in Sardinia, part of the Fantini wine group's strategy to produce quality wines from lesser-known regions and indigenous varieties. Led by oenologist Dennis Verdicchia and supported by local winemaker Daniele Manca, with consultancy from Alberto Antonini, the producer sources fruit from selected vineyards around Mogoro in southwestern Sardinia. The vineyards sit on calcareous soils at elevations of 80–150 metres, conditions that drive aromatic intensity and freshness. Cantina Atzei wines combine traditional Sardinian grape varieties with modern, oxygen-free vinification techniques designed to preserve natural fruit character. For a UK merchant, this is a producer delivering serious quality at fair prices from a region still under-represented in British wine lists.

About Cantina Atzei

Sciotti, who worked in Sardinia before building his career in wine, built Cantina Atzei as an extension of the Fantini group's philosophy: finding underrated terroirs and varieties suited to quality production. The winemaking team combines imported expertise—Verdicchia heads the cellar, with Alberto Antonini advising—with Sardinian knowledge via Daniele Manca. Vineyards are planted at medium density (3,000–4,500 vines per hectare) in the Alta Marmilla sub-zone, trained as espalier and traditional bush vines. Strict fruit selection at harvest feeds a disciplined winemaking approach: skin contact and temperature control for whites, six months in French oak and concrete for reds. The 2025 Vermentino benefited from a mild winter and temperate summer with good ventilation; the 2023 Monica emerged fresher and lighter than previous vintages despite a hot, unsettled season. Both wines are vegan and sealed with natural cork.

Cantina Atzei Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2025 Saragat Vermentino (£15.30): bright straw-yellow with greenish tints, it offers fragrant rosemary, elderberry, white stone fruit and lychee aromas, then a savoury, structured palate with clean acidity and a long finish. A textbook modern Sardinian white. The 2023 Saragat Monica (£15.75, 90 points) is the red to try next—a ruby wine with marasca cherry and plum notes, spice on the mid-palate, silky tannins and remarkable depth. Monica is Sardinia's signature indigenous variety; this expression shows why. Both deliver concentration and clarity at the price, without oak overload or extraction.

Food Pairing

The Vermentino pairs naturally with shellfish—grilled scallops, mussels in white wine, raw oysters—and light seafood pasta. Try it with goat's cheese and herb salads, or roasted sea bass. The Monica suits grilled lamb chops, beef carpaccio, aged pecorino, and tomato-based pasta dishes. Both wines have enough structure and acidity to handle Mediterranean herb-driven cooking: rosemary chicken, oregano-dressed fish, and garlic-forward vegetable plates all work well.

Who makes Cantina Atzei wines?

Dennis Verdicchia leads the oenological team, supported by Sardinian winemaker Daniele Manca and consultant Alberto Antonini. The producer is Valentino Sciotti's newest Fantini project, based in Mogoro, southwestern Sardinia.

What style are Cantina Atzei wines?

Modern, fruit-driven Sardinian whites and reds. Vermentino is aromatic and savoury; Monica (a local variety) is rich and intense with silky tannins. The Monica scored 90 points.

How much do Cantina Atzei wines cost?

Both current releases are priced around £15–£16 per bottle: Vermentino at £15.30 and Monica at £15.75.