The purveyor of Italian wine excellence strengthens its presence on the island of Sardinia, proving Empson’s ability to diversify, innovate, and invest in the potential of Italian wine.
Alexandria,VA, March 24th, 2023 – Empson USA, an enterprising fine wine importer with a dynamic portfolio of distinctive estates from Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA continues to expand and acquires a stake in Jankara Winery, a boutique winery in Sardinia, Italy.
“Empson is excited to be part of this boutique-size project as it represents an important step in the diversification and evolution of the company,” says Tara Empson, CEO at Empson USA. “The tremendous potential of the area is what brought my family to embark on this venture, although our affection for this Mediterranean island played a key role as well, having spent a lot of time there after falling in love with the Island’s wild beauty and unexplored potential. Maria Empson in particular has been a long-term resident and a lot of her artwork is inspired by Sardinian nature thus the origin of our company logo.”
With vineyards in two of the most prestigious viticultural areas on the island, Gallura and Mamoiada, Jankara specializes in producing Vermentino and Cannonau, with its flagship wines being the Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG, 755 Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, ‘Lu Nieddu’ Colli del Limbara IGT, Cannonau di Sardegna DOC & Jankara Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC.
Jankara was established by the Spanu Family in 2006. After spending decades working in the US wine industry, Renato and Angela Spanu went back to Renato’s hometown in Gallura, where they purchased 21 acres of pristine hillside terrain in Vena di San Leonardo, the Sardinian Cru to produce Vermentino. Located near Lake Liscia, the area also includes the historic crus of “Jannaca” and “Karana,” whose names combined form the name of the winery: Jankara. Jankara later acquired property in Mamoiada, a small town located further inland, where the cultivation of premium Cannonau is prolific.
Although unique in their own geologic features, the two areas of Gallura and Mamoiada share a Mediterranean climate. The first is influenced by the vast Lake Liscia and the proximity to Mount Limbara. The second is influenced by its altitude between 600 and 1000 meters above sea level. The Lake provides a spectacular microclimate, and the soil rich in granite adds to the complexity of the Vermentino. On the other hand, Mamoiada, the second-highest peak of the Island, is characterized by greater elevation and temperature fluctuation that lead the vineyard to be harvested last, later in October. The wide diurnal range supports the development of great aromatic qualities in the grapes, while constant winds refresh the vineyards from the hot Sardinian temperatures, fighting rot and diseases, and ensuring pristine health and quality of the grapes.
The following Jankara wines are provided across the US by Empson USA:
- Jankara Vermentino di Gallura Superiore DOCG
- Jankara ‘755’ Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
- Jankara ‘Lu Nieddu’ Colli del Limbara IGT
- Jankara Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
Empson and the Spanu families are excited and proud to come together and celebrate their love and passion for Sardinia and its precious wine legacy.
“My wife Angela and I are incredibly excited for the Empson family to join Jankara” says Renato Spanu, Owner of Jankara Winery. “Their knowledge and contribution within the industry will no doubt help catapult Jankara to the next level. After almost three decades of friendship and mutual respect between our families, we are extremely excited about this new venture together. Their passion for quality and excellence has been at the forefront of their remarkable journey – that we are proud to be part of.”
Further information available at www.empsonusa.com
About Empson USA
Family owned since its foundation in 1991, Empson USA is an enterprising fine wine importer with a dynamic portfolio of distinctive estates from Italy, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, and the USA. Our mission is to discover and represent carefully selected top-tier brands worldwide, and to share the “Art of Fine Wine” with our customers and partners in the US market.
