COLOUR
Orange
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
NV
GRAPE
Moscato Bianco, Granazza
PRODUCER
Azienda Agricola Giovanni Montisci
REGION
Sardegna
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - Low
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Crafted by former mechanic turned cult natural winemaker Giovanni Montisci, Modestu is a rare, high-altitude skin-contact white wine from the rugged heart of Sardinia. Located in the mountainous village of Mamoiada at 650 to 700 meters above sea level, Montisci's ancient, bush-trained vines are tended entirely by hand and traditional oxen. The name Modestu (meaning modest) is a playful, self-deprecating nod that contrasts with his bold, flagship red Barrosu (arrogant). This micro-production wine represents a soulful, transparent expression of Sardinian terroir, highly coveted by natural wine enthusiasts globally.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€54
STYLE
Natural
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-14°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The name Modestu is a humorous contrast to Montisci's flagship red Barrosu, which means arrogant or stubborn.
Fact 02
Montisci uses traditional oxen instead of tractors to till the soil of his ancient vineyards, preventing soil compaction.
Fact 03
With fewer than 1,000 bottles produced annually, this skin-contact white is one of Italy's most highly allocated cult wines.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for Modestu is defined by minimal intervention and traditional methods. Hand-harvested grapes from old vines undergo spontaneous fermentation in 1,000-liter vats using only indigenous yeasts, with no temperature control. The wine undergoes a gentle skin maceration of five to seven days to extract delicate phenolic structure and savory complexity without harshness. Following fermentation, it is aged for five to seven months in neutral French oak barrels. To preserve its natural energy and texture, the wine is bottled completely unfined and unfiltered with only a minimal addition of sulfur at bottling.
