(January 12, 2021; Napa, Calif.) — Dalla Terra Winery Direct® announced today that Vigne Surrau has joined its group of family-owned Italian estates, making it the first Sardinian winery to be added to the company’s import portfolio since being founded in 1990. Established in 2004 by the Demuro family, Surrau is located just fifteen minutes from the stunning Costa Smeralda in the northeastern corner of the island, which is also home to the only DOCG in Sardinia: Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. Surrau lies in the heart of the prestigious appellation and Vermentino di Gallura is widely considered to be one of the most important white wines produced in Italy. The winery was built around Vermentino and 70% of the winery’s production is devoted to the variety. Proving the winery’s dedication to the grape and region, Surrau produces three bottlings of Vermentino di Gallura. In addition to Vermentino, Surrau produces a distinctive selection of estate red wines from the Cannonau grape, as well as several other indigenous Sardinian red varieties. Dalla Terra will be the winery’s sole USA agent
“Surrau’s philosophy brings together tradition and innovation and the wines are a pure expression of an incredible place and terroir,” says Scott Ades, president of Dalla Terra Winery Direct. “We are excited to bring this dynamic range of vibrant white wines along with fresh, well-defined red wines to the US market—all at outstanding price points.”
Vigne Surrau consists of 149 acres of vineyards in eight different locations across the eastern side of Gallura which are primarily planted to Vermentino and Cannonau grapes, as well as Carignano, Caricaggiola and Muristellu (both autochthonous red varieties of Sardinia.) The soils are comprised of decomposed granite and sand which are rich in marine fossils. The winery practices sustainable agriculture which is aided by the Mistral winds which blow from the northwest across the island from the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica and provide great defense against disease in the vineyards.
“Representing a Sardinian winery has been a goal of Dalla Terra for many years and for me personally since I fell in love with it over decades of yacht racing there,” says Brian Larky, founder of Dalla Terra Winery Direct. “We have found a fantastic partner with the Demuro family and Surrau, as they have quickly made a mark on both Sardinia and the international market through a profound respect for the land, heritage and winemaking.”
History
Vigne Surrau derives its name from the Surrau Valley, which falls between the communes of Arzachena and Palau in northern Sardinia. The Demuro family are native Sardinians and have practiced viticulture in the area for generations. Growing up, Tino Demuro worked in his family’s vineyards with his 11 siblings, primarily making wine for their own consumption. Twenty years later, in 2001, while running a successful construction business, he invested heavily in the land’s potential with the purchase of vineyards in the municipality of Arzachena.
After the initial vineyard purchase, Tino hired famed consulting oenologist Beppe Caviola and they assembled a young and talented team, consisting of agronomist Fabio Isoni and oenologist Mario Siddi, with the pursuit of elevating Vigne Surrau to its full potential. Vigne Surrau was formally established in 2004.
Surrau’s focus on harmony between nature and innovation is clear throughout the estate. This is reflected in the architecture of the winery building itself, which is made up of a sequence of transparent façades and stone walls which meld seamlessly with the land. The winery is an open space, without barriers between the indoors and the landscape of Gallura.
Wines
Wines available in the US market include:
- Surrau “Limizzani” Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (SRP $16)
- Surrau “Branu” Vermentino di Gallura DOCG (SRP $20)
- Surrau “Sciala” Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Superiore (SRP $27)
- Surrau “Naracu” Cannonau di Sardegna DOC (SRP $16)
- Surrau Rosso Isola dei Nuraghi IGT (SRP $27)
- Surrau “Sincaru” Cannonau di Sardegna DOC (SRP $27)
About Dalla Terra Winery Direct
Founded in 1990, Dalla Terra Winery Direct® is a direct importer and national agent of a select group of leading, family-owned, estate wineries in Italy. The name Dalla Terra means Of the Earth in Italian and represents a commitment to work alongside estates that have achieved reputations for top quality production in their respective regions or appellations. The wines they produce are authentic, indigenous and characterful, while embracing progressive viticulture and winemaking.
Dalla Terra’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace is due to its highly curated portfolio and innovative business model. By limiting its portfolio, and partnering with only the highest quality producers, Dalla Terra ensures that its portfolio will be a comprehensive source of remarkable Italian wines. The quality of the portfolio is complemented by Dalla Terra Winery Direct’s business model which guarantees value by circumventing the traditional national importer expense of the three-tier system and enables their distributor partners to buy directly from each producer. This results in a competitive price advantage and greater value to the consumer for some of the most iconic and significant producers in Italian wine. For more information on Dalla Terra and the wineries they work with, go to www.dallaterra.com or call 707.259.5405.
