Mari (2023) - Bentu Luna

The name “Mari” evokes the traditions and culture of Mandrolisai, expressing the identity of the area through an authentic wine. Bentu Luna is a winery that showcases native grape varieties and the Sardinian landscape through sustainable farming practices and environmentally respectful winemaking.

The appellation: Mandrolisai DOC

Mandrolisai DOC is a Sardinian appellation that takes its name from the historic sub-region of the same name in Barbagia, in the heart of central Sardinia. It is one of the island’s most distinctive DOCs, known for producing robust, spicy, territorial red wines, the result of a traditional blend of native grapes: Bovale Sardo (Muristellu), Monica and Cannonau. What makes the Mandrolisai DOC special is that the grapes are grown at high altitudes, on poor, sandy and granitic soils, which give the wines natural freshness, silky tannins and a rustic elegance.

What to eat with Mari

Who makes it: Bentu Luna

Bentu Luna is a wine project born at Neoneli, in the heart of Sardinia, with the aim of recovering and championing old bush-trained (alberello) vineyards, some of which date back to 1905. Founded by Gabriele Moratti and led by Gian Matteo Baldi, the project is based on a humanistic, sustainable approach that involves working with the local families who own the vineyards, leaving ownership in their hands while guaranteeing fair payment through long-term lease agreements. Bentu Luna's production philosophy rests on: Manual, sustainable viticulture: no machinery in the vineyards, only human and animal work. Spontaneous fermentations: indigenous yeasts are used to express the terroir at its best. Non-interventionist winemaking: fermentation in raw concrete vats and ageing in used oak casks. Respect for biodiversity: championing native varieties and traditional farming practices. The technical team is made up of top-level professionals, including winemaker Emanuela Flore, agronomist Giovanni Bigot and consultant winemaker Beppe Caviola.

The vine of Mari

Cannonau

Cannonau is the most iconic black grape variety of Sardinia, considered one of the oldest Grenache varieties in the world. Grown across the whole island, it is at its best on the sandy, granite and limestone soils of the hill and coastal areas, giving rise to wines of great structure, aromatic intensity and longevity.

Monica

Monica is a black grape variety native to Sardinia, known for producing soft, fruity reds for early drinking. Its origin is uncertain, but it is thought to have been introduced by Camaldolese monks in the Middle Ages, from whom the name would derive. This variety adapts well to the island’s warm, breezy climate, giving wines with low acidity, soft tannins and pleasant notes of red fruit and sweet spices. Usually vinified as a single variety, Monica is also used in blends to add roundness and softness to other Sardinian wines. It can be made still, frizzante or passito, showing great versatility.

Bovale Sardo

Bovale Sardo is a native black grape variety of Sardinia, among the oldest and most mysterious on the island. Often confused with Bovale Grande (of Spanish origin), Bovale Sardo is in fact a genetically distinct variety, native and deeply bound to the Mandrolisai, where it is the main component of the Mandrolisai DOC. It is a variety that gives deeply coloured, fresh, tannic and long-lived wines, well able to withstand ageing and to convey the harsh, authentic voice of the Sardinian interior.

Mari: the Neoneli area

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Sandy / Silty

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Mari

Primary aromas: Red fruits (raspberry, cherry), floral notes

Secondary aromas: Sweet spices, Mediterranean herbs, mineral notes

Tertiary aromas: Hints of leather and tobacco as it evolves

Tasting notes: The “Mari” 2023 shows an intense ruby-red colour. On the nose it offers complex aromas of ripe red fruit, sweet spice and mineral notes. On the palate it is structured and enveloping, with soft tannins and a persistent, harmonious finish.