Aìlis - Cantine Paulis
The Aìlis by Cantine Paulis represents one of the noblest and most refined expressions of Sardinian viticulture, a Nasco di Cagliari DOC rooted in the millenary tradition of the Campidano. This wine is made from one of the island’s rarest and most historic native grape varieties, Nasco, whose name derives from the Latin “Nascus” and evokes the intensely aromatic nature of its grapes. Produced by the historic winery in Monserrato, the wine is crafted to preserve the elegance of this distinctive variety, offering a sensory experience that celebrates the hospitality and winemaking mastery of southern Sardinia through a sweet yet extraordinarily refined profile.
The production of Aìlis focuses on selected vineyards where the vines are mainly cultivated as traditional Sardinian bush vines, a training method that allows for an exceptionally low yield per hectare. This limited production is essential to ensure that the grapes concentrate all the aromatic complexity and sugar content required for a wine of this calibre. During the hand harvest, carried out in the second half of September, the contributing growers carefully select the bunches in the vineyard, bringing to the winery only perfectly intact grapes that have reached optimal ripeness.
The winemaking process used for Aìlis is designed to enhance the richness of the must without compromising its varietal delicacy. After gentle pressing, fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature to protect the most delicate volatile aromatic compounds. Ageing takes place exclusively in stainless steel tanks, a deliberate technical choice designed to preserve the freshness of the fruit and the clarity of its primary aromas. This stage allows the wine to evolve slowly, harmonising its natural sweetness with a warm and enveloping structure, before completing its development with a period of bottle ageing that further refines its velvety texture.
A curiosity surrounding this wine concerns the Nasco grape variety itself, historically known as “Vitis Amabilis”, a name that highlights the pleasant and charming character of the wine. Visually, Aìlis stands out for its intense and luminous golden yellow colour, while the nose releases enveloping notes of overripe fruit, honey and rose blossom. On the palate, it is full-bodied and persistent, characterised by a mature sweetness that never becomes cloying thanks to its excellent structural balance. It is the ideal companion for Sardinian almond pastries, traditional sweets such as pardulas, or enjoyed as a refined meditation wine after a meal.
