Pala Centosere Cannonau di Sardegna DOC 2021

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is one of five regional DOC level wine appellation that covers the whole island of Sardegna (or more commonly known as Sardinia in English). The appellation was first established in 1972, according to its rules, the wine has to be made from least 85% Cannonau grape variety, and entirely vinified and bottled on the Island. Though there is no rule to regulate where on the island Cannonau should be planted, far majority of the production comes from Southern and Eastern side, the warmer and drier part of the island.

Cannonau is a genetic match with Garnacha of Spain, but all of them have developed in relative isolation for centuries. Currently over 99% of Cannonau in Italy are planted on the Island of Sardegna. The vines were most likely being brought onto the island after Aragonese earned the right to rule during 14th century. The vine is late budding, and mid to late ripening, highly resistant to drought, which could be an issue for many crops on the island. It’s not the most widely planted variety on the Island.

Pala Centosere’s Cannonau di Sardegna is made from 100% Cannonau from vines with average age of 40 years old. All their vineyard has imposed a yield cap of  8 tons per hectare to enhance grape quality. The wine has undergone 7 days of cold maceration before fermentation, then temperature-controlled fermentation, to fully extract its both its colour, and aromatic precursors.  There isn’t oak ageing, but 6 months of cement tank ageing and refinement. The wine is very expressive, full of ripe red fruit aroma, alongside with some distinctive bouquet of dry herbs.

Some decanting before serving is helpful.