A few bottles I opened with my buddy Joe Lucca when work brings him to town!
After having the 2021 rosé version last month, I’ve been itching to try the red. Sardinian Cannonau, which is their version of Grenache.
Followed over two days.
Deep ruby with a hint of purple. Initial aromatics show a little smoke, peppered black raspberries, black cherries and sweet florals. The warmth of the wine is noticeable on the palate…cherry jerky, kirsch, rhubarb, spice. Hibiscus tea. The fruit is bright and almost crunchy (not overly ripe). Good acidity. Structure is quite impressive…plenty of tannin on day two. There’s a faint herbal, almost medicinal, note that I find often in Italian reds like barbera and some merlot. The ABV pokes out a bit (15.5), but I suppose that matches their climate.
If poured blind, Grenache (or Grenache blend) would be the call…juicy, bright, peppery, elevated warmth. It comes across as a singular expression, not a big blend. However, there’s no way I’m taking this to Italy…or rather, Sardinia! Decant for an hour, or hold a few more years. — 5 months ago
Perfect chilled red from Sardinia at bonafini — 9 months ago
Delicious Cannonau with Pat’s lasagna ($24 WC) — 11 days ago
Cheap can still be good — 6 months ago
After tasting the whole range from Argiolas you also realise how they got to this blend.
This is stunning, it absorbed 18 months of new oak easy.
Cannonau gives the freshness and the fruit with the carignan, the bovale donates the tannin and the floral shade and Malvasia Nera the aromatic.
Super velvety, fresh, complex and above all long.
It goes without saying this is only a baby. — a month ago
This wine is inky dark. The nose has very dark fruit notes, but it is primarily savory. Aromas of tobacco, tar, smoke, and earth dominate, in a bold show. The palate has more fruit coming forward, but it still has to fight for attention with the savory flavors. I paired the Cannonau with a variety of cheeses to good effect, but it went quite well with sauteed mushrooms. — 6 months ago
Roxie V
It’s good, but mild. Definitely a delicious grape. Tasted a little thick to me — 4 days ago