Mandrolisai: Sebastiano Etzo elected President of the Consorzio

In Sardinia, Sebastiano Etzo succeeds Massimiliano Mura as President of the Consorzio Vini Mandrolisai. Leading a group that now brings together 18 wineries, he aims to continue promoting the appellation in Italy while strengthening its presence in international markets.

Owner of the estate that bears his name, Sebastiano Etzo takes the helm of a relatively young consortium, founded in 2024. His predecessor, Massimiliano Mura, remains on the Board of Directors. Antonio Marras of Fradiles becomes Vice President, alongside board members Maria Cadeddu of Vitivinicola Cadeddu and Elisa Carboni of Cantine Carboni. Francesco Saverio Russo retains his role as Project Manager, a position he has held since 2025.

The new leadership intends to build on the work undertaken over the past two years. The Consorzio reports growth in both membership and visibility, supported by communication campaigns and participation in wine industry events. Sebastiano Etzo acknowledged Massimiliano Mura’s contribution during this initial phase of development before outlining his ambitions: “We now intend to continue growing, raising the profile of Mandrolisai throughout Italy while increasingly looking towards international markets.”

Several events have already been announced for the coming months. Two press events are scheduled in Milan and Rome between late November and early December, with a further event for wine professionals planned in the Langhe. Meanwhile, the Board is preparing its 2027 programme, with greater emphasis on welcoming Italian and international visitors to the wine region.

Beyond this calendar, the group aims to raise awareness of Mandrolisai’s distinctive identity. Established in 1981, the DOC is based on a blend of at least 35% Bovale Sardo, known locally as Muristellu, with 20–35% Cannonau and 20–35% Monica. These varieties often grow together in the same vineyard, rather than in separate rows. The territory encompasses the municipalities of Atzara, Desulo, Meana Sardo, Ortueri, Samugheo, Sorgono and Tonara. Its high-altitude, bush-trained vines, some more than a century old, are central to the heritage the Consorzio seeks to protect. For the new team, promoting the wines should therefore go hand in hand with a deeper understanding of the history and landscapes from which they come.