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2020 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riviera”
Vigne Rada

Historical 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: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Cannonau |
Appellation: | Cannonau di Sardegna |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sardinia |
Producer: | Vigne Rada |
Winemaker: | Bardino family |
Vineyard: | 7 years average, 1.5 ha |
Soil: | Clay, limestone, chalk |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 14.1% |
More from this Producer or Region

2019 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riserva Franzisca”
Italy | Sardinia
Sporting rich primary fruit, an intense granitic backbone, and tannins already mellowing from extended large cask aging, this monument to Sardinian viticulture delivers impressive power and authenticity.

2019 Alghero Cagnulari “Arsenale”
Italy | Sardinia
Rada’s dense, minty Cagnulari is a reminder to take Sardinian reds very seriously.

2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Italy | Sardinia
A field blend of Vermentino and other native Sardinian grapes, one week maceration; deep, broad, savory, and salty

2021 Vermentino di Sardegna “Stria”
Italy | Sardinia
Delightfully crisp in its youth, it reveals a surprising complexity and depth after two or three years in bottle.

2019 Vino Rosso “Barrolu”
Italy | Sardinia
You’d be right to be skeptical of a Nebbiolo from Sardinia, but from a top-notch terroir high in the mountains, it is something else entirely.

2021 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
Italy | Sardinia
This inky, chewy blend of Cannonau with the native Muristellu boasts a strikingingly wild perfume that soars from the glass.

2020 Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso “Oberaia”
Italy | Sardinia
A thick, rustic, brooding red dripping with Sardinian sunshine, perfect for those inevitable nights when the fog rolls in.

2020 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
Italy | Sardinia
Old-vine Moscato from Sardinian mountaintops, 4 days on skins, fermented dry and aged in barrel—heavenly with sea urchin pasta

2020 Rosato “Barrosu”
Italy | Sardinia
Only 900 bottles produced, you’ll value it down to the last drop.

2020 Alghero Cagnulari “Arsenale”
Italy | Sardinia
Rada’s dense, minty Cagnulari is a reminder to take Sardinian reds very seriously.
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
2021 Vermentino di Sardegna “Stria”
Vigne Rada Italy | Sardinia
2021 Rosato “Barrosu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Alghero Cagnulari “Arsenale”
Vigne Rada Italy | Sardinia
2021 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso “Oberaia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2019 Vino Rosso “Barrolu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2021 Vino Bianco “Modestu” 999
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2019 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riserva Franzisca”
Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2021 Vermentino di Sardegna “Stria”
Vigne Rada Italy | Sardinia
2021 Rosato “Barrosu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Vino Bianco “Modestu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Alghero Cagnulari “Arsenale”
Vigne Rada Italy | Sardinia
2021 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso “Oberaia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2019 Vino Rosso “Barrolu”
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2021 Vino Bianco “Modestu” 999
Giovanni Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi “Familia”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2019 Cannonau di Sardegna “Riserva Franzisca”
Montisci Italy | Sardinia
2019 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
2020 Isola Dei Nuraghi Bianco “Prama Dorada”
Deperu Holler Italy | Sardinia
Kermit once said...

Kermit once said...
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174