1934 Practical Notes on Oenology and Technical Remarks for Sardinian Winemakers

Regarding Malvasia, we publish an excerpt from a text that is particularly dear to us because it was written in 1934 by a distant relative, Attilio Dejana, the first Sardinian oenologist and a diligent scholar of wine culture.

This text, titled “Practical Notes on Oenology and Technical Remarks for Sardinian Winemakers" (Tipografia, legatoria artigiana di Cagliari), includes a chapter dedicated to Malvasia. It highlights the territory of Settimo San Pietro as one of the classic cultivation areas for Malvasia in the Campidano di Cagliari region. The text provides insights into its production methods and recounts significant anecdotes. Notably, it portrays Malvasia from Settimo San Pietro as a precious gift worthy of presentation to high-ranking political figures of the time.

Dejana recounts an intriguing episode during Mussolini’s visit to Sardinia. He was tasked with finding “some excellent Malvasia” and succeeded in locating a 10-year-old Malvasia in a cellar belonging to a producer from Settimo San Pietro. This Malvasia was so harmonious and rich in ethers that, when uncorked, it filled the room with a magnificent aroma. The esteemed oenologist, Count Sernagiotto, who also served as the incomparable Director of the former Royal Special School of Agriculture in Cagliari, was deeply impressed by the exceptional qualities of this wine. He boldly asserted that it was the finest dry wine in Italy and the world.

This historical text was published by a local typographic and artisanal bookbinding workshop in Cagliari. Although no current copies exist, we have transcribed the section dedicated to Malvasia to make it accessible to those who share our interest.