Akènta Sub: the fascinating underwater wine from Sardinia

Imagine a wine born from the sunlit vineyards of Sardinia, where the sea meets the land in an eternal embrace. From this union arose the idea to create something extraordinary: a wine that tells the story not only of the land but also of the sea. Thus was born the underwater cellar of Sardinia, a bold project initiated by Cantina Santa Maria La Palma in collaboration with local institutions and partners. This project led to a selection of Akènta bottles, a sparkling wine produced from the finest Vermentino di Sardegna DOC grapes, maturing in the depths of the sea, among gentle currents and crystal-clear waters, transforming into Akènta Sub, the underwater wine of Sardinia.

The underwater wine of Sardinia: the realization of a dream
The story of Akènta Sub began in 2011 with the first experiments. After various attempts, Cantina Santa Maria La Palma found an official underwater aging method, creating the underwater cellar of Sardinia, one of the first in Italy and the world.

Akènta is a Vermentino di Sardegna DOC sparkling wine, produced from Vermentino grapes grown in the countryside of Alghero, facing the sea, on some of the most suitable lands of the island. This superior quality sparkling wine symbolizes the protection of the territory, the sacrifice and commitment of farming families, and the collaboration between winegrowers and local communities. The name “Akènta” derives from the ancient Sardinian blessing for a long life: “a chent’annos,” which means “to a hundred years”: a phrase of good omen, containing the best wishes.

The evolution into Akènta Sub
Produced using the Charmat method, Akènta is left to mature at depths of 30 to 40 meters for a period of 6-12 months, transforming into Akènta Sub. This unique aging process, which adheres to precise environmental sustainability criteria, imparts unparalleled complexity and depth to the wine. Thanks to this process, Akènta is the first wine to receive the Sardinia Parks Network mark.

The uniqueness of the project and details of underwater aging
The world of wine is continually evolving, and underwater aging represents a fascinating and innovative frontier. Increasingly, wineries around the globe are adopting this technique, drawn by the benefits it offers. Analyzing similar initiatives has revealed the secrets of successful underwater aging: constant temperature, high pressure, gentle movement of currents, absence of direct light and oxygen. These factors preserve the aromatic integrity of the wine and prevent oxidation, all without the use of machinery, making the underwater cellar an example of sustainability. When, after months underwater, Akènta Sub emerges, it offers a taste of extraordinary intensity.

Besides its unique flavor, each bottle of Akènta Sub is a work of art, naturally adorned with marine encrustations that make each piece unique and collectible.

In 2019, Akènta Sub was the star of a world-first event: an underwater wine tasting organized by AIS Italia (Associazione Italiana Sommelier) during Vinitaly, at a special event titled “Aging under the sea: investigation of an emerging style,” dedicated exclusively to wines produced with underwater aging.

Akènta Sub was introduced by Cantina President Mario Peretto and enologist Gaetano La Spina, and was then tasted and described by sommelier Valentino Tesi, runner-up in the national competition for Best Italian Sommelier. Tesi presented the wine to a packed audience, describing the elegance of the sparkling wine made from Vermentino di Sardegna DOC grapes, produced with the Charmat method, highlighting its brilliant color, fine and persistent perlage, fresh aromas, and floral tones. Thanks to underwater aging, the wine evolves and differentiates itself from its classic version, becoming what Valentino Tesi concluded as “a delightfully drinkable wine, truly a wine of great quality.”

In 2023, Akènta Sub was also selected as the Official Wine of Vinitaly and the City, the Vinitaly off-site event. It was the first time a Sardinian wine was selected for this event, which continued with four days of tastings, meetings, and events spread throughout the heart of Verona.

The day of Akènta Sub’s emergence: Akènta Day
Since 2016, the emergence of the Underwater Cellar has become a spectacular event, with hundreds of spectators. This delicate operation, involving divers, technicians, and a helicopter, culminates in a grand celebration: Akènta Day. An event that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the Sardinian territory, Akènta Day is set to become an international attraction, combining the magic of the sea and land in an unforgettable celebration.