Cantina Mesa

Cantina Mesa was founded in 2004 by Gavino Sanna, one of Italy's most acclaimed advertising professionals, with a clear mission to express the distinct terroir of southwestern Sardinia through native grape varieties. The first wines were released in spring 2005. In 2017, Mesa joined the Santa Margherita Wine Group, bringing additional resources to the project while maintaining its strong identity. The name Mesa means 'table' in both Sardinian and Spanish, symbolizing nourishment and conviviality at its core.

• Founded 2004 by Gavino Sanna; first vintage released spring 2005
• Joined Santa Margherita Wine Group in 2017
• Name 'Mesa' means 'table' in Sardinian and Spanish
• Winemaking led by Stefano Cova, assisted by Michele Flore since 2016

The estate covers 78 hectares in Sant'Anna Arresi, with 73 hectares under vine. Soils are a mix of sand, limestone, and clay, characteristic of the Sulcis Iglesiente subzone in southwestern Sardinia. The climate is fully Mediterranean, with warm temperatures, sparse rainfall concentrated in fall and winter, and strong mistral winds that help maintain vine health naturally. Salt-influenced maritime air is a defining feature of the growing environment and contributes to the saline minerality found in the wines.

• Sandy soils with limestone and clay across 73 planted hectares
• Strong mistral winds reduce disease pressure and support sustainable farming
• Salt-influenced maritime air shapes the mineral character of the wines
• Rainfall is sparse and concentrated in fall and winter

Mesa grows Carignano del Sulcis, Vermentino di Sardegna, Cannonau (Grenache), Syrah, and Cagnulari. The flagship red, Buio, is made from 100% Carignano del Sulcis, a variety that earned DOC status in 1977. Carignano at Mesa is characterized by firm but fine tannins and lively acidity. The flagship white, Giunco, is made from Vermentino di Sardegna and offers bright citrus-focused aromatics. Mesa holds a singular distinction as the only producer in Italy crafting a pure Passito wine from Carignano grapes.

• Buio (100% Carignano del Sulcis) and Giunco (Vermentino di Sardegna) are the flagship wines
• Carignano del Sulcis DOC status granted in 1977
• Reds are terroir-driven with fine tannins and acidity; whites are citrus-forward
• Sole Italian producer of a pure Passito from Carignano grapes

The winery itself is a statement of purposeful design. Its three-story gravity-flow layout means grapes are received and destemmed on the top floor, then move naturally downward through the production process, with aging taking place in oak and concrete tanks set meters below ground. This approach minimizes mechanical intervention and preserves fruit integrity. Mesa's visual identity is equally intentional: the distinctive black bottles reference su mucadore, traditional Sardinian women's dress, and the labels feature geometric prints inspired by authentic Sardinian hand-woven tapestries. Farming across all vineyards is fully sustainable, with no herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides used.

• Gravity-flow three-story winery minimizes mechanical handling of fruit
• Aging in oak and concrete tanks positioned meters underground
• Black bottle design inspired by su mucadore, traditional Sardinian women's dress
• Labels reference authentic Sardinian hand-woven tapestry geometric patterns