Grain production and livestock have long been vital to the economy, as has viticulture. Geographic and cultural isolation led to the evolution of numerous grape varieties, and of these, one stands out as most important — Cannonau. However, unlike Cagnulari or Nuragus other varieties indigenous to Sardinia , Cannonau likely has its origins abroad — in Spain.
However, some researchers are beginning to explore the prospect that Cannonau may actually be the O. Cannonau may share DNA with that fruity and bombastic grape, but centuries of isolation on Sardinia and a winemaking tradition all its own make it quite separate.
There are six different styles of Cannonau di Sardegna: two rosso the DOC version and a Riserva, which mandates at least two years of aging with at least six months in oak , a rosato , a passito , and two liquoroso sweet and dry. For purposes of this guide, we are only focusing on the two rosso classifications. Sardinia is a big island, and some areas have a better reputation for producing Cannonau than others. As a result, three separate subzones Oliena, Jerzu and Capo Ferrato are allowed to apply this designation on the label.
Just to add another layer to the onion, the rules allow for a classico designation if the wine comes from the Nuoro province which is encompassing of Oliena, but not Jerzu and Capo Ferrato. Finally, Cannonau is not the only Italian Grenache. Yep … they say Gamay in Umbria. All of these wines are quite different, and none of them have the same vine acreage or international market presence as Cannonau.
First, it has a rugged and varied landscape with vast stretches of emptiness. The Aragonese-Spanish provided protection against frequent pirate attacks, which allowed for resettlement of coastal areas. They also influenced language and customs that are still visible today. As noted before, records of Cannonau plantings correspond with the early days of the Aragonese-Spanish period. Genetic studies have also confirmed the linkage between Cannonau and Grenache, which many had suspected due to their similarities in the vineyard and in the glass.
Whether Cannonau spawned Grenache or the other way around, geneticists do not yet agree. One can assume that isolated valleys, minimal outside interference and a slow-to-develop wine trade would have all allowed Cannonau to mutate and adapt into a panoply of expressive individuals.
Some of this is true, but unfortunately, much of the island was replanted to a low quality biotype of Cannonau in the s — an issue that continues to harm the overall quality of Cannonau being made. But if you know where to look and which producers to seek out, you can discover that true Cannonau is wildly beautiful.
As with Grenache, Cannonau vines can reach the century mark. It is not uncommon to find vines that are 50 years old or older, and these precious plants usually yield more character-driven wine. From my experience with Cannonau, vine age — more than any other attribute — can be a good indicator of quality, especially if the vines predate the s when replanting efforts skewed the percentages toward a lesser biotype. It remains strong, masterful and firmly structured, with often hugely impressive tannins.
Cannonau, in other words, can be a wine of unusual completeness and authority for this variety. In recent years Cannonau wines have been associated with longevity and linked to the unusually long lifespan of the Sardinian population which sees many live well into their 90s.
The mandatory aging period for Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Dolce is minimum 1 year, of which six months in barrels. The Storage Potential?
Cannonau di Sardegna: 5 years. Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva: 7 years. Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Secco: 10 years or more. Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso Dolce Naturale: 10 years or more. The name Apulia originates in ancient times. The Apulian domains of the Phoenician and of the Greeks have always been treasure for the production of wine and olive oil.
Read more. Wine law Grapes Alcohol is certainly not in short supply, the structure is elegant but wide. It is not a fish soup wine, of course, but now the era of massive 16 degrees Cannonau is over. The particular characteristic of Cannonau wine is its Mediterranean charm , the iodized breath that is often perceived, the balsamic nature that makes it unique.
And are these traits, these suggestions of scrub, pine, and resin that give elegance to Cannonau. Obviously, we are talking about structured and ambitious wines, wines that make barrel aging, but if you want to discover the world of Cannonau di Sardegna, aim high.
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