Sardegna is where wine is born. It is where the oldest wine in the Mediterranean is produced and it is here where the tales begin. Some say the Cannonau grape variety was introduced by the Spaniards in the 1400’s during Spanish rule. Others argue that Cannonau is indigenous to Sardegna. It doesn’t matter who is right in this battle as one thing remains clear: Cannonau is one spectacular wine not to be missed on the island of Sardegna.
Sardinian Vineyard in Summer
Sardegna is an island in the Mediterranean where the climate, (hot & windy, limited rainfall, medium limestone soil with loose rocky layers) soil and vines, give rise to a brilliant quality dark grape with strong personalities. The cultivation of Cannonau has spread thought-out the island in recent years, but the birth place of this superb wine is in the center of the island.
Cannonau grape varieties are the most common variety found on the island. All Cannonau must be made with 90% Cannonau grapes to be certified with the Cannonau name. Cannonau is aged in oak barrels for one year before gracing tables with its strong elegance.
I would like to introduce you to four of my favorite Sardinian Reds.
Turriga
Turriga 2002. Isola dei Nuraghi Argiolas Serdiana, South Sardegna. The Turriga estate sits two-hundred and thirty meters above sea level in the little country-side of Selegas-Piscina Trigus. This is where wine is truly born, for Turriga is one sexy red. It’s harvested by hand in the early mornings giving rise to a beautiful intense ruby colour. Smooth on the palate, Turriga is a well-balanced red with a rich bouquet. Grape varieties: Cannonau, Carignano, Bovale Sardo, Malvasia Nera. Retail: 50 EURO and up. In restaurants look to pay 80-100 EURO a bottle. I have drunk this wine on several occasions. It’s truly a rich taste for those with the palate and the budget.
Mamuthone by Night
Mamuthone 2004. Guiseppe Sedilesu. Mamioada is a small village in the heart of Barbagia, in central Sardegna. It is here that you will find this Mamuthone 100% Cannonau brilliant ruby-red. Grown in the older vineyards and harvested in October, Mamuthone brings with it a truly divine adventure on your palate. A delightful aroma of plum, pomegranate and cherry. This wine will leave your palate fresh and dry. This is a Cannonau rich in tannins with 15% alcohol rating this wine is not for the weak. Only 70,000 bottles were produced so get it if you can. Retail: 18 EURO a bottle.
Medeus at Home
Medeus 2000. Isola dei Nuraghi. Sella & Mosca. Alghero, Sassari. Medeus harvests in September, the grapes are chosen carefully, preferably picking the loose grapes from the vine. They are then spread out on mats surrounding the vineyard for fifteen days to dry in the hot Mediterran sun. Medeus is a mix bred with grape varieties of: Cannonau, Carignano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medeus is truly a deep-ruby with hints of violet and dominant fruity aromas. Soft tannins combined with slight woody vanilla leave the palate fresh and flattered. 13.5% alcohol rating. Retails: 25-30 EURO a bottle.
Bootleg & Friends
BootLeg Wine. The Corner Market. In every town, Sardegna. Bootleg is one serious wine. It’s strong and potent, fruity and flowery, rich and pale in red, dominant and submissive, smooth and sweet. Sardinian Bootleg is as diverse as night and day. Much depends on the growers and their grapes, how young the harvest, when they harvest. Bootleg is truly a Sardinian delight, but be warned it’s a shocker. Bootleg wine is to be found on the local’s tables, from word-of-mouth and those in the know.
My Sardinian Life 
Reblogged this on UTTERLY SARDINIA and commented:
Thanks to the writer Jennifer Avventura, who wrote this nice article about Sardinia
Thank you for the reblog. I hope your day is going superbly!
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Great post and amazing offerings! I have yet to try Sardinian wines throughout my wine journey!
My hisband is most interested in wine, he will be keen to try some of these when we come to Sardegna.
Jennifer: You did a fabulous job on your Seven Links! I hope you had as much fun writing this post as I did reading it. Your writing and photography are beautiful and I look forward to reading more of your adventures in lovely Italy!
I had a great time writing My Seven Links. Thank you so much for enjoying it, reading it, liking it and nominating me.
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Great post, Jennifer, great information. I’m gonna check these out if I can find them…or it’ll just have to be a trip to the island. Darn ! 🙂
I know Turriga is exported as I’ve had it in other countries. The bootleg wine, you’re out of luck. The other two I’m not too sure about, but I would imagine you can find them. Hunt for Turriga, it’s really awesome! Or just come on vacation. 😉
You are surrounded by history, aren’t you? What a great place to live and write. Good for you!
Great informative post for us wine lovers! I wonder if they export to Guatemala.
Oddly enough when doing research for this article I did find wholesalers that ship worldwide! How’s the wine in Guatemala?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh – yes – my birthday next week, a nice glass of red will go down VERY well!! Lovely details about my favourite drop!
*puts another tick in the take a trip to Sardegna column*
Mmmm…. wine,,, and to actually live in a foreign land and drink wine for enjoyment not to get drunk… that would be pure bliss!!!!
Mmm…you are making me thirsty! I am a big wine lover so thanks for th post. On another note, my neighbors are going to Sardena this August with their Italian friends who live in Rome. Any tips you can pass along (I also will send them your blog to follow and read)….
Thanks!
Some tips for your friends while visiting Sardegna: SPF, a good hat and my blog. 😉
Oh wine. How I miss thee. Past the wee amounts I allow myself here and there…
Thanks, this was very informative, except that I would never be able to taste these sexy wines in India. Shall watch out for them at the wine shops here!
Lovin the Bootleg, it’s naked lol… x