Dorgali, discovering the Oddoene Valley: cradle of cannonau and olive oil
The Autentic Sardinia association invites you to rediscover the beauty of the territory between Supramonte and Nuorese
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A Journey into the Soul of Sardinia.
In the heart of eastern Sardinia, between the imposing limestone formations of the Supramonte of Dorgali and the ancient granite rocks of the Nuorese, the extraordinary Oddoene Valley opens up.
Situated at about 400 metres above sea level , this valley enchants with its uncontaminated nature, its thousand-year history and its winemaking traditions, offering a deep immersion in the culture of the island. The Oddoene Valley is known as the land of Cannonau, the most famous red wine of Sardinia . With over 350 hectares of vineyards , this area produces some of the most renowned labels of the island.
The unique microclimate, characterized by strong temperature variations and the protection of the surrounding mountains, allows the grapes to ripen slowly, giving the wines an extraordinary aromatic complexity. The historic cellars of the valley, custodians of a centuries-old winemaking tradition, produce powerful Cannonau reds, elegant rosés and refined Vermentino . The passion of the winemakers and the fusion of traditional techniques and innovation make each bottle an authentic story of the territory.
The winemaking heritage of the Oddoene Valley has its roots in Roman times .
The name of the ancient settlement of Viniola , cited in historical texts, testifies to the millenary vocation of this land to the cultivation of vines. Situated in a strategic position along the ancient trade routes, Viniola was an important economic and cultural center, where wine was not only an agricultural product, but a symbol of exchange and territorial identity.
A few steps from the vineyards, the Buon Cammino country church, built in 1600 AD on an ancient Roman route, represents a further link between the valley's past and present, a bridge between spirituality and rural Sardinian culture . In addition to wine, the Oddoene Valley is renowned for the production of extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality. The olive groves in the area, cultivated with traditional methods, produce oils with unique characteristics: intense aroma, herbaceous flavor with notes of wild thistle and artichoke, and a harmonious structure that tells the purity of the territory.
The olives, hand-picked and cold-pressed in the mills of Dorgali, give life to a product of excellence, a symbol of Sardinian gastronomic culture. The Rio Flumineddu, which crosses the valley, is a vital resource for both agriculture and nature tourism. Its clear waters have shaped a unique landscape over the millennia, creating natural pools and pebble beaches where you can relax. Adventure lovers will find here a paradise for canyoning, river trekking and free climbing on the imposing cliffs of Monte Oddeu, which rise up to 300 meters high.
The valley is also the starting point for two of the most spectacular treks in Sardinia: the Gorropu Canyon, the deepest gorge in Europe , a place of extraordinary beauty where rock walls up to 500 meters high create a breathtaking environment, a refuge for eagles, peregrine falcons and rare botanical species. The Nuragic Village of Tiscali, an archaeological site hidden in a karst sinkhole, shrouded in mystery and evidence of an ancient civilization that chose this place to defend itself and live in harmony with nature.
«This valley, with its natural beauty and excellent products such as wine and oil, represents a true treasure of Sardinia - says Cipriano Fancello of the Autentic Sardinia association - Furthermore, I would like to honour the people of Dorgali, who with their industriousness have transformed this land into a lush garden from the post-war period to today».
Visiting the Oddoene Valley means taking a journey through history, nature and authentic flavours. The local wineries and oil mills welcome visitors with wine and oil tastings accompanied by traditional specialities, offering a unique sensory experience. «This generous land, where the past dialogues with the present - concludes Fancello - is an unmissable destination for those who want to discover the most authentic soul of Sardinia».
