Blog: Cannonau | Grape variety

Sardinia is not only a popular destination for German holidaymakers. Sardinian wine is known and loved throughout Germany, first and foremost, in addition to Vermentino, of course, the original Cannonau di Sardegna. The best qualities come from the east of the country, near Oliena. The Nepente di Oliena is therefore one of the highest quality Cannonau varieties and produces wines of high integrity and long shelf life. However, special mention should also be made of Isola dei Nuraghi Rosso, which, as the 'little brother' of the well-known Cannonau, is usually not only a bit more delicate, but also a bit less expensive.

The most famous Sardinian red grape is one of the wine highlights of the island and is mainly grown in the east, where it gives the best results. Especially the area around Oliena is known for high quality and long-lasting Cannonau varieties. The grape is also known as Grenache in Spain and provides well-structured wines with a certain astringency. It has become the number one red wine grape variety in Sardinia in recent years.

The Cannonau grape naturally provides rather moderate tannins and little color. Therefore, the grape variety is very suitable for the production of rather fruit-driven wines. However, under favorable climatic conditions - such as on the island of Sardinia - the Cannonau also produces concentrated red wines with excellent longevity.

The Cannonau Grape
Sardinia's most famous red wine is Cannonau di Sardegna, the wine of the Sardinians, which received DOC status in 1972. This red grape variety accounts for about 20% of the vines grown on the island. There are several main areas of cultivation. Important characteristics of the red wine are the intense ruby red color, which changes to orange red with aging, and the typical strawberry bouquet. On the palate it is full-bodied, robust and characterized by its strong body.

The Cannonau Wine
The wines of Sardinia have their own style, which is quite different from the rest of Italy. The traditional wines of the island still carry the ancient history of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, the history of the Punic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Pisan, Swabian, Spanish, Austrian, Piedmontese and Italian. Sardinia is the second largest island in Italy. Sardinia belongs to Italy as a politically autonomous region, but it is an island in itself in every respect. The island has a distinct cultural background in the form of its own language and customs. Sardinia's most famous red grape, the wine grape, is grown mainly in the east of the island, where it gives the best results. The grape is also known as Grenache in Spain and provides well-structured wines with a certain astringency. One of the best wines of the island is Cannonau: a dry red wine with great structure and body and the typical characteristics of the grape variety. The wine comes from selected, particularly sunny, hilly and unirrigated sites. The color is ruby red with a tendency to garnet to orange red. Of vinous, persistent aroma, typical of this grape variety. The taste is warm, rich in mild tannins, full-bodied. It goes perfectly with grilled meat with little fat and sheep cheese. Stored horizontally, it can age in bottle for several more years. Serve it at a temperature of 18 °C. It is recommended to uncork the bottle one hour before serving. - Gerardo [TS02/23]

"Queen in the realm of reds continues to be the Cannonau grape, which does not allow itself to be taken in charge even by the obsolete DOC di Sardegna, but seeks different expressions in each growing zone and with each vintage." - Gambero Rosso