Shepherds' Meals

The sheep-folds are still a strong presence in the Ogliastrian territory. Here the shepherds prepare outside meals with the typical local products. It is possible to assist the suggestive cheese making in the antique sheep-folds called “sos pinnettos” where the shepherds once lived. The structure of the pinnettos reminds very much of the ancient nuragical huts and the shepherds not only lived in them but also used them as laboratories: here they prepared the cheese and placed them over “su kannitthu” (a sort of grating made of reed): Here the cheese dried and got slightly smoked.

From May until September the shepherds’ lunches or dinners are organized on advanced booking for a minimum of 6 persons. In other times of the year it is possible to eat inside some especially equipped sheep-folds. The traditional menu is based on salted ricotta, local hams and sausages, roasted lamb and suckling-pig from the spit, a variety o local cheese (goat cheese and “casu axedu”, a sour cheese made from sour curdled milk), the “carasau” bread and “ispianadas”, Cannonau wine, local sweets and not to forget the typical acquavite.

On request these meals may be accompanied by the music of “su tenore”, the famous Ogliastrian polyphonic chanting, or enjoy the performing of the “ballu tundu” (a folcloristic dance). During the spring months it is also possibile to take part at “sa tundimenta”, the traditional sheep-shearing, one of the most important events in the pastoral life.