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.

Characteristics of the Cannonau Grape Variety

Agronomic Aspects

  • Origin: Indigenous to Sardinia, but genetically related to Grenache.
  • Climate: It prefers warm, dry climates and stands up well to drought.
  • Soil: It is at its best on sandy, granite and limestone soils.

Grape Characteristics

  • Berry: Medium, with thick skin and deep blue-black colour.
  • Aromatic profile: Fruity and spicy, with floral and Mediterranean notes.

Wines Made from Cannonau

Colour

  • Red: Deep ruby red, with garnet highlights in the aged wines.
  • Rosé: Bright cherry pink.

Aromas

  • Fruity: Notes of ripe cherry, plum, blackberry and red fruit.
  • Floral: Hints of violet and dried rose.
  • Spicy: Hints of black pepper, liquorice, tobacco and cocoa.
  • Mediterranean Herbs: Notes of myrtle, rosemary and Mediterranean scrubland.
  • Mineral: Light ferrous hints and marked savouriness.

Palate

  • Structured and enveloping: With velvety tannins and marked savouriness.
  • Warm and persistent: With a long, spicy finish.
  • Balanced and harmonious: An excellent fusion of acidity, alcohol and softness.

Growing Areas

The Cannonau  is grown all over Sardinia, with some particularly well-suited areas:
  • Ogliastra and Jerzu: Known for the most long-lived and structured Cannonau.
  • Nuoro and Oliena: Elegant, spicy expressions.
  • Barbagia and Mandrolisai: Rich, complex wines, often from old bush-trained vines.
  • Gallura: Fresher, more mineral versions.

Types of Cannonau-Based Wine

  • Red: Young and fruity, or aged and complex.
  • Rosé: Fresh and easy-drinking, with floral notes.
  • Riserva: Aged at least 2 years, with greater structure and depth.
  • Passito: Intense and sweet, made from dried grapes.
  • Fortified: The traditional fortified version, with intense, persistent aromas.

Food Pairings

Red Wines

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

Rosé Wines

  • Meat Starters: Sardinian cured meats, pane carasau with fresh pecorino.
  • Savoury Seafood Dishes: Fregola with clams, fish soup.

Passito and Fortified Wines

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

Why Choose Cannonau?

The Cannonau is a grape variety with a strong Mediterranean character, a symbol of Sardinia and its extraordinary winemaking tradition. Able to express itself in several wine styles, it offers structure, warmth and great longevity, making it perfect for anyone looking for a red intense, spicy and enveloping.

Cannonau: My personal top three

  • 1
    Lillovè 2022 - Giuseppe Gabbas

    Lillovè 2022 - Giuseppe Gabbas

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Italy, Nuoro, Sardinia
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  • 2
    Barbagia Rosso IGT “Ghirada Fittiloghe” 2021 - VikeVike

    Barbagia Rosso IGT “Ghirada Fittiloghe” 2021 - VikeVike

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Barbagia, Italy, Sardinia
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  • 3
    Alghero Rosso DOC “Tanca Farrà” 2021 - Sella & Mosca​

    Alghero Rosso DOC “Tanca Farrà” 2021 - Sella & Mosca​

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Alghero, Italy, Sardinia
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All those I have tried