Orodoro - Cantina Mesa
The Orodoro by Cantina Mesa is a sublime expression of the winemaking vocation of Sulcis, a passito wine that embodies the light and warmth of southern Sardinia. Produced in Sant’Anna Arresi, in an area where the vineyards breathe the salty Mediterranean air and sink their roots into sandy and clay-rich soils, this IGT Isola dei Nuraghi represents the perfect synthesis of the energy of the sun and the strength of the wind. The philosophy of Gavino Sanna, founder of the winery, can be seen in every detail, from the meticulous care of the vineyard rows to the choice of simple yet elegant packaging designed to enhance the preciousness of the wine inside, which shines with a golden light just as its evocative name suggests.
The production of Orodoro follows an ancient and patient tradition based on natural drying on the vine. The bunches are left to ripen beyond the usual harvest period, allowing the warm winds and Sardinian sun to partially dehydrate the grapes, concentrating sugars, extracts and aromatic precursors. During the hand harvest, usually carried out in October, the growers perform a meticulous selection in the vineyard, picking only the bunches that have reached the perfect level of concentration without compromising the freshness of the fruit. This artisanal process produces exceptionally intense raw material, essential for achieving the silky structure that characterises the wine’s final profile.
In the winery, Orodoro’s winemaking is focused on maximum protection of the aromatic richness developed in the vineyard. After gentle pressing of the naturally dried grapes, the dense and aromatic must ferments slowly in small stainless steel containers at a controlled temperature. Ageing takes place exclusively in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the exotic fruit and citrus aromas, avoiding the influence of oak, which could weigh down the wine’s natural vibrancy. Subsequent bottle ageing allows the different components to blend into harmonious balance, where sweetness is never an end in itself but is supported by a pleasant mineral streak typical of wines born close to the sea.
A curiosity that makes Orodoro unique is its ability to stand the test of time, evolving towards exceptionally elegant tertiary aromas. Visually, the wine displays a deep and luminous golden yellow colour. On the nose, it reveals a complex bouquet ranging from dried apricot to chestnut honey, with delicate hints of Mediterranean maquis. On the palate, it is enveloping, rich and silky, with lingering aromas reminiscent of dates and candied orange peel. It is the ideal companion for traditional Sardinian dry pastries and almond-based desserts, but reaches its full potential when paired with spicy blue cheeses, or served as a refined after-dinner wine for moments of quiet contemplation.
