Cannonau di Sardegna

This one may be our most popular Italian red wine.  It has ample red fruit flavors, moderate body and low acidity.  So it's a quaffer, right?  Or it's pizza wine.  Maybe its popularity is due to its flexibility, like, it's whatever you want it to be!

The textbook says it has flavors of  "raspberry, plum and cherry with herbs, spices and tobacco."  Sounds about right.  But it also says "full body and high alcohol."  Haven't noticed either.  But we have noticed the red fruit galore.

So what does this stuff go with?  Hearty, savory or rustic dishes like wild game, stews, roasts grilled meats or aged cheeses.  Again, that's what the textbook says.  Maybe our Sella & Mosca brand Cannonau is a little lighter than the norm.  Not to disparage our subject here but I bet this would go great with a hamburger.

Twenty-five percent of Sardinian vineyard acreage is planted in Cannonau, which is genetically the same as Spanish Garnacha or French Grenache but tastes so much different.  It is decidedly fruitier as you would expect from an Italian.  Think - tomato dishes.  

Here's what we think really accounts for the taste difference: high altitude island vineyards.  Factor in Mediterranean sea breezes for freshness and a hot and dry environment that requires tap roots to go deep for sustenance, picking up traces of minerality in the process.  And the diurnal effect of sharp day/night temperature swings that generate rich ripe varietal fruit flavors.

Sardinia is home to all of those centenarians who credit their longevity to the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.  And perhaps, Cannonau red wine?