Region: Sardinia

Wine:

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

Facts about this wine

Wine: Red wine
Taste: Dry
Volume: Strong
Min. alcohol: 12.5%
Mandatory Storage: Min. 6 mos.
Storage potential: 5 years

Cannonau di Sardegna is the epitome of Sardinian wine, which can be often deceiving, but after a deeper acquaintance, it is surprisingly pleasurable. As the name suggests, the basic grape is Cannonau (90-100%), with the permitted addition of local red grapes (0-10%).

Cannonau is originally imported from Spain, where it is known as Alicante or Garnacha. In the Rhone region, France, it is called Grenache.

Cannonau di Sardegna can be grown throughout the island of Sardinia, but in the northern and in the eastern part there are three zones to which you should particularly pay attention and which have a long tradition in the production of red wines of Cannonau:

Oliena strong> (Nepente di Oliena)
Covers areas in the municipalities of Oliena and Orgosolo, in the province of Nuoro. The district has a tradition of producing quite intense Cannonau wines, with great aging potential.

Capo Ferrato
Covers certain areas in the municipalities Castiatas, Muravera, San Vito, Villaputzo and Villasimius, in the Cagliari province. We do not see as much wine from this district anymore, but it is most famous for its Passito wines.

Jerzu
Covering the vineyards in the municipalities of Jerzu and Cardedu, in the province of Nuoro. In this zone, the red wines are hot and dry, generally with a lower alcohol content. The low alcohol content is undoubtedly caused by the farmers picking the grapes earlier than in other zones, to avoid scorching and unfortunate consequences of the strong sun.

If the wines come from one of these three subzones, it will be mentioned on the label.

Taste-wise, Cannonau di Sardegna can be found under two flavors: 1) The traditional, strong, tannic and alcohol-rich wine made from late harvested grapes, which can often be sweet, or 2) Wine made from previously harvested grapes, with fewer tannins and slightly fruity. In other words, a leaner wine.

The first impression of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is that of a light red wine, with the light scent and light garnet red color. After just one year of aging, the wine acquires the warmth and strength only older wines have. The non-aged Cannonau wine does not need a long aging period to achieve good results, whereas the stored Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva is a clear winner when aged.

Generally, this is a more or less intense ruby red wine, with clear notes of orange after aging. The scent is pleasant and characteristic, while the taste is dry and full.

A dry Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Secco (18% + 0.6% residual sugar) is also available, as well as a sweet Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Dolce Naturale (16% + 3% residual sugar), and the dry rosé wine, Cannonau di Sardegna Rosato.

The ordinary red wine must have 12.5% alcohol content. The Riserva type has a minimum of 13%

The minimum aging period
for Cannonau di Sardegna is 7 months. Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva has a mandatory aging period of 2 years, of which 6 months in barrels.
Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Secco has a mandatory aging period of minimum 1 year, of which minimum 6 months in barrels.
The mandatory aging period for Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Dolce is minimum 1 year, of which six months in barrels.

The Storage Potential ?
Cannonau di Sardegna: 5 years.
Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva: 7 years.
Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Secco: 10 years or more.
Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Dolce Naturale: 10 years or more.

Great dishes to have with Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

White meat

Veal

Sausages

Mature cheese

Roast

Beef

Red meat

Click on a topic to find more wines