Story: Cannonau | Grape variety
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Stylistics and ageing
Traditionally, Cannonau was often aged in large oak barrels (tonneaux or barriques). This gives the wine vanilla, roasted aromas and delicate wood spices. Today, however, many winemakers also use steel or concrete tanks to preserve the pure fruit and peppery spice. Some modern producers shorten the wood maturation period or use large, untoasted wooden barrels in order to preserve more naturalness in the wine. There are also experiments such as fermentation with wild yeasts or ageing in amphorae, which can lead to earthier notes. Depending on the ageing process, the cellar masters choose a middle way between oxidative ageing (in wood with slight contact with oxygen) and reductive ageing (in stainless steel/concrete for pure fruit) in order to shape the character typical of Cannonau. The aim is always to emphasize the Mediterranean fullness and the intense fruitiness of the grapes without the wine appearing too overly influenced by the wood.

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Growing areas and terroir
Cannonau di Sardegna may be grown throughout the island, but its classic core area is in the mountainous east of Sardinia. Under the DOC definition, there is a “Classico” growing area (Nuoro province with Ogliastra) as well as three so-called Sottozone: Oliena (next to Orgosolo), Jerzu and Capo Ferrato. The east in particular (Nuoro, Ogliastra) supplies around 70% of the harvest. The hinterland around Oliena (approx. 400-500m above sea level) is characterized by cool nights and calcareous soils, which give the wines structure and fine freshness. The coastal location of Jerzu and Capo Ferrato in the south-east (Sarroxen, before San Vito) with its hot climate, on the other hand, produces exceptionally ripe, extract-rich grapes and opulently fruity wines. Small parcels may also be found in Gallura or on the mainland (Lombardy, Veneto), but Sardinia remains by far the true terroir of this variety. The wines vary due to the differences in terroir: High-altitude sites usually promote acidity and elegance, while lower-lying, sun-exposed sites produce denser, spicier profiles. - Gerardo [TS05/25]

"The queen in the realm of red wines remains the Cannonau grape, which is not bound by the obsolete DOC di Sardegna, but seeks different forms of expression in each growing zone and with each vintage." - Gambero Rosso