Cantina Santadi: the Sulcis region that found its voice in Carignano
Written by Davide Gangi | Published in territory, wine, wine reviews 
In the deep southwest of Sardinia, where the mistral wind is not just wind but character, and the sea is a living and constant presence, Cantina Santadi represents one of the most authentic and credible expressions of Italian wine cooperation. A reality that has been able to transform a complex and often underestimated territory into a model of identity, quality, and vision, becoming an absolute reference point for Carignano del Sulcis.
Founded in 1960 as a cooperative of winegrowers, it has embarked on a journey that was anything but predictable: from a local winery to a cultural center for wine, capable of combining collective spirit, rigorous production, and international ambition, without ever losing its deep connection to its land and the people who care for it every day.
The real turning point in history came between the late 1970s and early 1980s, when a decision was made that was as courageous as it was forward-thinking: to focus on quality as the only possible way to secure the future of the region.
The meeting with Giacomo Tachis marked a turning point. His contribution was not only technical, but also deeply cultural. Tachis understood Carignano del Sulcis for what it really was: an ancient, resistant, profound grape variety, capable of great elegance when interpreted without forcing. With him, the method changed, but above all, the mentality changed.
This season marks the birth of Terre Brune, a wine that I consider one of the most authentic icons of Italian wine. It is not an exercise in style, but concrete proof that even a region once considered marginal could produce wines of international stature while keeping its Mediterranean soul intact.
While Tachis’ work represented a turning point in winemaking, none of this would have been possible without the vision, determination, and extraordinary perseverance of President Antonello Pilloni.
I had the pleasure of visiting Cantina Santadi and meeting him in person. He is a person of great intellectual acumen and genuine passion for his work. Talking to him, it is clear that Santadi’s success has never been the result of fads or shortcuts, but of thoughtful choices, patience, and consistency, pursued with determination for decades.
Elected president in 1976, he led the winery for almost half a century, demonstrating that cooperation can become shared excellence when guided by vision, authority, and respect for the territory and its people.
From 2024, the presidency of Cantina Santadi will be entrusted to Elvio Daniele Curreli, in an intelligent and well-structured generational transition. Not a break, but a natural continuity, in line with the founding values of the winery.
Carignano del Sulcis is not just a grape variety, but a profound expression of identity. The vines are often trained using the alberello method, in many cases ungrafted, on sandy soils battered by the wind. Santadi has the historical merit of believing in Carignano when few others did.
Today, Riccardo Curreli and Giovanni Marone are responsible for maintaining the winery’s stylistic and qualitative continuity. I greatly appreciate the consistency and work of the young winemaker Riccardo Curreli, who combines technical rigor with a deep respect for the winery’s history.
Terre Brune Superiore 2021 – DOC Carignano del Sulcis – 97/100 Vinoway 5 Way Star
Villa Solaris 2024 – DOC Vermentino di Sardegna – 92/100 Vinoway 5 Way
Case delle Fate 2023 – IGT Valli di Porto Pino – 91/100 5 Way
These and other wines are featured in the Vinoway Selection app.
Cantina Santadi is now a treasure of Italian wine. A true benchmark, built with expertise, patience, and profound dignity.
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