Castiadas is a village in southern Sardinia between scrub-covered mountains and the sea. From 1875 to 1956, it was the site of Italy’s largest penal colony. The surrounding farmland was largely abandoned and returned to marshland. After the prison’s closure the Sardinian Agrarian Reform Agency partnered with local winemakers to form this cooperative winery, dedicated to reclaiming agriculture in the region. Today, the winery farms 150 hectares spread throughout the province of Serrabus-Gerri. The profound lack of romance in Castiadas’ story is surprising, considering the impressive quality of the wine. This Vermentino was raised in stainless steel to preserve the striking nose of mint, rosemary, lavender, peach and preserved lemon. The palate is fairly full bodied with even more herbaceous flavors; eucalyptus, sage, rosemary and thyme alongside lemons and limes and sea salt. A convincing match for saltwater fish dishes or garlicky chicken.