Evidence suggests that vines were introduced to Sardinia around the 8th century BC by the Phoenicians, who founded Tharros. The island enjoys a climate, winds, and terrain that make its wine production and quality unique. Among the most widely cultivated white grape varieties, which identify Sardinia, is Vermentino, from which the only DOCG Vermentino di Gallura takes its name. Vernaccia di Oristano and Malvasia di Boca are among the 19 DOCs, along with red grape varieties such as Cannonau, now an icon of the entire region, Carignano del "Sulcis," Bovale, and Monica, a red grape that is also vinified as a dried wine.