Wines
Pala
Tommaso Beggiato
Sardegna, Italy
Featured:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Trade Tasting
Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Grand Tasting Reception
Founded in 1950 in the town of Serdiana by Salvatore Pala, Pala has been synonymous with Sardinian winemaking for generations. In 2024, the estate entered a pivotal new chapter under Lia Tolaini-Banville’s ownership. Already well-established in Tuscany, Lia has brought her thoughtful approach and respect for tradition to Sardinia, combining the estate’s historic legacy with her focus on elevating quality and expanding its reputation globally. Her tenure marks a commitment to showcasing Sardinia’s potential while preserving the authentic character of the region’s wines.
Sardinia’s rugged, diverse terrain and ancient history are central to understanding its wines. As one of the most geologically unique regions in the Mediterranean, this island is often called a “mini-continent,” with a landscape that ranges from snow-capped mountains to limestone hills and sandy shores. These conditions have nurtured native grape varieties like Vermentino, Cannonau, Nuragus, and Monica, which reflect the island’s distinctive climate and culture. Sardinia’s long-standing winemaking traditions and dramatic scenery create a backdrop that is as compelling as the wines themselves.
Sardinia’s natural environment lends itself to organic and sustainable viticulture, and Pala has embraced this ethos fully with an approach called lutte raisonée – reasonable sustainability. The island’s abundant sunlight, steady coastal winds, and minimal rainfall create conditions that naturally reduce the need for chemical treatments. Indigenous grape varieties, adapted to Sardinia’s soils and climate, thrive with little intervention, promoting a balanced ecosystem. By prioritizing sustainability, Pala ensures healthier soils, cleaner water, and wines that reflect the purity of the region’s terroir.
Pala’s focus on native grape varieties and thoughtful winemaking practices underscores its dedication to Sardinia’s heritage. The estate’s Vermentino is precise and vibrant, while its Cannonau displays depth and structure, and Nuragus offers a glimpse into one of the island’s oldest native grape varieties. These wines capture the complexity and character of Sardinia’s unique environment, illustrating the balance between tradition and innovation that defines Pala under Lia Tolaini-Banville’s leadership.