Suckling is one of the most important wine critics in the world, whose reviews are read and respected by wine lovers, collectors and experts. An important recognition for our company and for the Sardinia of wine
Cantina Santa Maria La Palma continues to confirm its excellence on an international level with new prestigious awards, received this time from James Suckling, one of the world’s most influential and respected wine critics. Suckling awarded three of the winery’s wines a score of 91pt, a sign of the quality and value of the company’s products. The wines that received this important recognition are Akènta Vermentino di Sardegna DOC Spumante, Naramae Cannonau Riserva and Recònta Cagnulari Riserva.
Akènta, one of Cantina Santa Maria La Palma’s flagship products, is described by James Suckling as follows: ‘Fragrant nose of white flowers and white almonds. The palate is savoury and medium-bodied, with an acidic herbal character that ties in well with the white fruit before a generous, non-dry finish. Creamy, frothy mousse. To be drunk immediately’.
This wine is positioned as the sparkling wine of Sardinia already in its name, derived from the phrase ‘A Kent’Annos’, an auspicious saying that accompanies toasts and celebrations.
Its sales success and naming have positioned it as ‘the bubbly of Sardinia’, the symbol of sparkling wines produced on the island. A symbol of innovation and tradition that best expresses the deep bond between the territory of Alghero, Akènta and the Vermentino vine.
The Naramae Cannonau Riserva embodies the essence of Cannonau, the symbolic vine of Sardinia and its millenary winemaking history. Suckling described it in these words: ‘A savoury, spicy red that presents red plums, strawberries, sweet spices and a touch of wood smoke on the nose. Full-bodied and very lively, with bright acidity and crisp tannins. To drink now or to keep’. This award is in addition to the gold medal of the Berliner Wine Trophy 2024 and the 5 Star Wines award received during Vinitaly 2024.
There was also great appreciation for Recònta Cagnulari Riserva, a wine produced from Cagnulari grapes, an indigenous red grape variety of Alghero that is winning over more and more people.
The authoritative American critic defines Recònta as follows: ‘A red wine with character, with peppercorns, tea leaves and black fruit on the nose. It is dark with smoky hints, a full body and fine tannins. A touch of bitterness at the end. To drink or to keep’.
Recònta is the only Cagnulari Riserva on the market and in the space of a few years it has received increasing recognition and esteem, distinguishing itself as one of the Sardinian wines on the rise in recent years. This recognition is an important milestone for the Cantina Santa Maria La Palma, which has been committed for years to the promotion of Cagnulari, an indigenous grape variety of northern Sardinia.
These three awards are a source of great pride not only for the Alghero-based company, but for the whole of wine in Sardinia. ‘Seeing excellent scores for three wines from a world authority such as James Suckling is a tangible sign of our commitment to the pursuit of quality and the enhancement of our territory,’ said the winery’s board. ‘These awards also represent an important milestone for Sardinian wine and Made in Italy and Made in Sardinia, which is becoming increasingly competitive at the international level.’
James Suckling is one of the most authoritative voices in the world of wine: a long-standing correspondent of Wine Spectator until 2010, his scores represent a benchmark for consumers, distributors and wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Cantina Santa Maria La Palma Winery confirms itself as one of the most important realities on the Sardinian and national wine scene, capable of bringing typical Sardinian wines to the world stage, thus contributing to the promotion and enhancement of its oenological excellence.
A further confirmation that the island is a growing wine-growing region, capable of competing at the highest global levels.
