02/10/2025: Temple Wine Bar in Oristano truly deserves to be called a "little temple of Sardinian wine." It's rare to find a place that offers such a diverse range of Sardinian wines by the glass. From the moment you enter, you sense the impressive bottles lining the shelves and a deep love for wine. The service is warm and the staff are quick to explain the background of the wines and the passion of the winemakers, making each sip feel like a shared story.
🍾 Wines We Tried
First up was the sparkling Akènta Extra Dry. This classic from Santa Maria La Palma in Sassari province, its sea-breeze-inspired notes and refreshing citrus flavors made it the perfect aperitif. While not from Sardinia, the Franciacorta Satèn, with its creamy bubbles and high-quality Chardonnay, showcased the bar's diverse selection.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Vernaccia di Oristano “Flor” 2018 (Contini). Thanks to its unique aging process under flor yeast, the amber-colored liquid emanated aromas of almond, caramel, honey, and dried orange. On the palate, the powerful structure and slightly bitter notes spread, reminiscent of sherry or Marsala. I was astonished at how complex this wine could be without being fortified. Thanks to the kind arrangement of the staff, I was also able to sample a small portion of the Silvio Carta Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 1986, the same year it was born. The profound flavor, born from nearly 40 years of aging, felt like drinking a lifetime of time itself—a truly moving experience.
Among the white wines, the Giants White Contini 2022 was particularly impressive. This reassuring Vermentino from the prestigious Contini winery in Oristano offers a pleasant, salty minerality and a refreshing finish. And then there's the rare Semidano "José" 2022 (Poderi Parpinello). With nuances of honey and tropical fruit and a rich body, this rare variety is a rare treat to enjoy by the glass.
For reds, the Giants Rosso Contini 2022 was fruity and powerful, showcasing the spice and warmth characteristic of Cannonau. Furthermore, the Reconta Cagnulari Alghero DOC Riserva (Santa Maria La Palma) had a rich yet elegant structure, beautifully balancing its tannins with its fruitiness. It reaffirmed the depth of Sardinia's indigenous red wines.
🍷 Wines I didn't try but found appealing
The menu also featured other intriguing options. Take Nuragas di Cagliari – Nura Soi 2023, for example. Nuragas, a winery that dates back to ancient Roman times, boasts rustic notes of citrus and green apple, making it the perfect aperitif. Sardinia's only DOCG, Vermentino di Gallura (Petritza, Hope), boasts citrus, white flowers, and herbs, as well as a strong minerality derived from the northern granite soil, making it a premium wine representing the island. Finally, Starlight Pará Rosé, a rosé made with Cannonau and Cagnolari grapes, offers a vibrant and light red fruit flavor perfect for a summer evening.
🌞 The Charm of the Bar Itself
This wine bar is more than just a restaurant; it's a place that speaks to the land of Sardinia itself. Located in the heart of Oristano, the interior is warm yet modern, and the bottles line the shelves, neatly arranged like books in a library. The bar offers a generous selection of Sardinia's indigenous varietals, including Vernaccia, also known as the "wine of the sun." The entire bar feels like a stage set celebrating wine culture.
The service is not just friendly, but also filled with warmth and humor. The wine explanations are expert yet unobtrusive, conveying a genuine desire to have you try them. As exemplified by the bar's willingness to offer a wine from the year of its birth, this bar values time with each customer, making each experience the best it can be.
🌟 Overall Review
Temple Wine Bar is a gem of a Sardinian restaurant, offering the perfect combination of food, wine, and people. Savoring indigenous white and red varietals while munching on Carne Calazan, and then being captivated by the depth of Vernaccia—such an evening is unforgettable. If you visit Sardinia, don't just stop by for a drink; experience the story of wine here.
23/08/2025: A must-visit spot for wine tasting and cocktails. They don't have a full-service kitchen, but you can order sandwiches and bruschetta, which are delicious. Live music is available some days. They also have a terrace. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
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