Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

The Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is one of the most iconic wines of Sardinia, made from Cannonau, the most widely planted black grape variety on the island and considered one of the oldest Grenache varieties in the world. The DOC was established in 1972 and covers the whole of Sardinia, with particularly fine territorial expressions in the sub-zones of Oliena, Capo Ferrato and Jerzu.Cannonau di Sardegna DOC wines stand out for their aromatic intensity, robust structure and great longevity, with scents of red fruit, Mediterranean herbs and sweet spices, accompanied by elegant tannins and marked salinity.

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Characteristics of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

Colour

• Red: Deep ruby red, with garnet highlights in the more mature wines.
• Rosé: Cherry pink, bright and luminous.

Aromas

• Fruity: Notes of cherry, blackberry, ripe plum and berries.
• Floral: Hints of violet and withered rose.
• Spicy: Hints of black pepper, liquorice, tobacco and cocoa in aged wines.
• Mediterranean Herbs: Notes of myrtle, rosemary and Mediterranean scrubland.
• Mineral: Ferrous, savoury shades, typical of Sardinian soils.

Palate

• Structured and powerful: Clearly present but elegant tannins, with great balance.
• Warm and enveloping: Thanks to the high alcohol content and the softness of the fruit.
• Persistent and spicy: A long finish with echoes of ripe fruit, sweet spices and balsamic notes.

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Production Areas

Thethe whole territory of Sardinia is included in the appellation Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, but some particularly well-suited sub-zones give rise to finer expressions:

• Oliena (or Nepente di Oliena): Structured, elegant and spicy wines.
• Jerzu: It gives full-bodied, intense, long-lived reds.
• Capo Ferrato: Characterised by soft, fruity wines.

The terroir is dominated by sandy, granitic and clay soils, influenced by the sea breezes that enhance the freshness and savouriness of the wine.

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Grape Variety Used

• Cannonau (minimum 85%): The main grape variety, which best expresses the sunny character of Sardinia.
• Complementary grape varieties (max 15%): Other indigenous or international black grape varieties may be used.

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Types of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

• Red: Fresh and fruity, with medium structure.
• Rosé: Delicate and elegant, with notes of red berries and flowers.
• Riserva: Aged for at least 2 years, with greater complexity and structure.
• Passito: Made from dried grapes, intense and enveloping.
• Fortified: The traditional version with high alcohol, perfect as a meditation wine.

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Typical Winemaking

• Temperature-controlled fermentation: To enhance the varietal aromas.
• Ageing in stainless steel: For the fresher, more immediate versions.
• Ageing in oak casks: For Cannonau Riserva, which develop greater complexity and softness.

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Food Pairings

Red Wines (Cannonau and Riserva)

• Roast Meats: Sardinian porceddu, chargrilled lamb.
• Game: Wild boar stew, hare cooked in Vernaccia.
• Aged Cheeses: Pecorino Sardo DOP, Fiore Sardo.

Rosé Wines

• Savoury Seafood Dishes: Fregola with clams, fish soup.
• Sardinian Charcuterie Boards: Mountain ham, wild boar sausage.

Passito and Fortified Wines

• Traditional Sardinian Desserts: Sebadas, amaretti, pardule.
• Dark Chocolate: Perfect with Cannonau Passito.

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Why Choose Cannonau di Sardegna DOC?

The Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is a wine rich in history and tradition, considered a symbol of the island and often associated with the longevity of the Sardinian people. Its versatility, combined with the extraordinary expression of the terroir, makes it a perfect wine for anyone looking for intensity, warmth and Mediterranean character.