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2017 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riviera”
Vigne RadaHistorical records show that Cannonau has been cultivated in Sardinia for centuries; planted extensively, it is a major element of the island’s viticultural DNA. Some archaeological studies even suggest that Grenache may actually originate from Sardinia, not Spain. This example from Alghero, the ancient Catalan bastion on Sardinia’s northwest coast, is by far the most aromatic Grenache we import, with a sweet fragrance of flowers, ripe strawberry, and Mediterranean herbs. The warm, balmy flavors and silky touch make it a great match for an herb-crusted roast or the most delectable vestige of Catalan occupation: paella Algherese.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2017 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Cannonau |
Appellation: | Cannonau di Sardegna |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sardinia |
Producer: | Vigne Rada |
Winemaker: | Gino Bardino and family |
Vineyard: | 7 years average, 1.5 ha |
Soil: | Clay, limestone, chalk |
Aging: | 70% of wine ages in stainless steel tank for 10 months, 30% ages in 225L and 500l oak tonneaux (no new oak) for 3 - 4 months and is then blended with the stainless steel tank until bottling in the fall |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
More from this Producer or Region
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This inky, chewy blend of Cannonau with the native Muristellu boasts a strikingingly wild perfume that soars from the glass.
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2021 Cannonau di Sardegna
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2020 Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso “Oberaia”
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2021 Vermentino di Gallura Superiore “Fria”
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2019 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
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Old-vine Moscato from Sardinian mountaintops. It is heavenly with sea urchin pasta.
About The Producer
Vigne Rada
About The Region
Sardinia
Our first foray into Sardegna is very recent, and it only took one trip to fall in love with the island, its culture, and its wines. Similar to its northerly neighbor, Corsica, there is a strong regional identity here that goes far beyond its official status as one of Italy’s twenty regions. Its people are proud, strong-willed, and deeply attached to their traditions—a distinctive character often seen with island people and accentuated by its long history of invasions and outside rule.
This tumultuous past has resulted in diverse influences—Greek, Roman, Aragonese, Catalan, and Ligurian, just to name a few—that have shaped the island’s culture, language, cuisine, and wines over many centuries. While Vermentino and Cannonau (aka Grenache) reign, Sardegna also boasts a number of indigenous grapes that are capable of expressing something unique in its abundant variety of terroirs.
The Mediterranean plays a major role, providing cooling, salty breezes to coastal areas, while the rugged, mountainous interior is home to high-altitude sites where wines retain freshness in spite of the southerly latitude. The granitic highlands of Gallura and Barbagia come to mind as some of its most qualitative zones, but a range of soils, elevations, and varying distance to the sea mean that the island is capable of producing wines in all styles, from crisp whites to powerful reds and exquisite vini dolci.
The three growers we represent bring something new to the table, something fascinating that is not found elsewhere in Italy or even in nearby Corsica. Their wines evoke the rustic beauty of this fascinating island civilization, and of course, pair perfectly with the local cuisine, be it seafood-based or the hearty, earthy specialties of its interior.
More from Sardinia or Italy
2020 Alghero Cagnulari “Arsenale”
Vigne Rada Italy | Sardinia
2019 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riserva Franzisca”
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2021 Cannonau di Sardegna
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2019 Vino Rosso “Barrolu”
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2021 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
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2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
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2019 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
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2021 Rosato “Barrosu”
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2020 Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso “Oberaia”
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2020 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
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2021 Vermentino di Gallura Superiore “Fria”
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2019 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
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2020 Alghero Cagnulari “Arsenale”
Vigne Rada Italy | Sardinia
2019 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riserva Franzisca”
Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2021 Cannonau di Sardegna
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Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Vino Rosso “Barrolu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2021 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2019 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2021 Rosato “Barrosu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso “Oberaia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2020 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2021 Vermentino di Gallura Superiore “Fria”
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2019 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
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Vintage Chart Mentality
Vintage Chart Mentality
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch