Sardinia in five toasts

The soft, Mediterranean-inspired lines, the harbour that lights up at dusk, the ethereal atmosphere that has been drawing yacht owners, entrepreneurs and travellers since 1963: At Cala di Volpe, everything speaks of an elegance that never needs to raise its voice. The Maison associates this bay with its most iconic label, the Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, produced exclusively from Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes from the Côte des Blancs – candied citrus, white flowers, a chalky minerality and a finish that invites you to take your time. ‘Cala di Volpe and Comtes de Champagne have both set a standard,’ explains the Maison, ‘they have weathered trends without chasing them, remaining a benchmark.’ The perfect moment arrives as the light fades and the sky turns golden above the boats moored in the bay. 

A mere few kilometres away, that muted elegance gives way to a more vibrant tone. At Phi Beach, the sunset becomes almost a secular ritual: music accompanies the sun’s descent behind the granite rocks of Forte Cappellini, whilst the sea takes on shades of pink and orange. The setting calls for a wine that plays along, and the choice falls on the Prestige Rosé, with its notes of raspberry, cherry and redcurrant and a subtle effervescence; even the colour of the cuvée seems to echo that of the sky in the minutes leading up to nightfall. It is a champagne designed for sharing, made for full tables and evenings that stretch into the night, in keeping with one of the Mediterranean’s most famous beach clubs. 

 

Remaining in the heart of Gallura, but in a completely different atmosphere, the next stop is the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, one of the international temples of sailing. Here, yacht owners, professional sailors and enthusiasts share a common culture of the sea and precision, and the Maison pairs this world with the Prélude Grands Crus, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards alone. Each component finds its place with the same natural ease one experiences aboard a racing yacht, where nothing is left to chance; the citrus, mineral and subtly toasty notes evoke the breeze that accompanies regattas in the coastal waters. ‘It is the glass for those who see luxury as expertise, tradi- tion and attention to detail,’ observe Taittinger, ‘a form of excellence that needs no fanfare to be recognised.’ 

Leaving Gallura behind, the route winds down the eastern coast and the island takes on a new character. At Costa Rei, La Villa del Re offers a more secluded side of Sardinia, where luxury goes hand in hand with the feeling of being far away from it all: turquoise sea, Mediterranean gardens, long hours of tranquillity. The Maison pairs this with Folies de la Marquetterie, its most intimate cuvée, crafted from a single vineyard surrounding the family castle. ‘Whilst Comtes de Champagne embodies international prestige, Folies de la Marquetterie reveals the house’s more personal side,’ the brand explains from Reims, ‘it holds a strong sense of place, much like a retreat where discretion, romance and a connection with the landscape are what matter most.’ Here, a toast marks an authentic moment rather than a social occasion. 



The final stop takes us to the southern tip of the island, where the Mediterranean seems to stretch on forever. The Capo Spartivento Lighthouse, transformed into an exclusive retreat, is the place where luxury blends with a sense of adventure and silence becomes part of the experience. The Maison pairs it with the Comtes de Champagne Rosé, one of the house’s rarest and most sought-after cuvées: it combines the precision of Chardonnay with the nobility of Pinot Noir and unfolds slowly, revealing red fruits, delicate spices and an exceptio- nally long finish. Like the lighthouse, it requires time and attention before revealing itself. It is the toast that marks the end of the journey, a moment of contemplation, set against one of Sardinia’s most evocative horizons. 

Text : Rebecca Gabbi for AssoYacht Mag. 

AssoYacht Mag is the magazine of the Italian association AssoYacht, which has represented yacht owners since 2022. The magazine is aimed at sea lovers and features portraits and interviews with figures from the yachting world, as well as content focusing on nautical culture and its associated lifestyle.

The Magazine : https://mag.assoyacht.it

The AssoYatch association : www.assoyacht.it