Sardinia's most important red wine DOC and the home of what is likely the world's oldest Grenache clone — Cannonau (the Sardinian name for Grenache) may have been cultivated on the island for over 3,000 years, predating its introduction to mainland Spain and France. The variety thrives on Sardinia's granite and basalt soils in the Nuoro province and the Ogliastra — the 'blue zone' associated with extraordinary longevity among its population. Sardinian scientists attribute the islanders' longevity partly to Cannonau's extraordinary polyphenol and resveratrol content — the highest of any red wine grape. Cannonau wines range from generous and accessible to complex, age-worthy expressions from specific sub-zones.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Outstanding Cannonau vintage; Grenache from Sardinian granite showed extraordinary dark fruit concentration and the polyphenol richness that defines the island's red wine tradition. |
| 2021 | — | Classic vintage; Mediterranean heat was tempered by island winds; Cannonau of excellent aromatic freshness and the characteristic dark cherry-dried herb character. |
| 2020 | — | Benchmark year; Gabbas and Pala both produced wines of international acclaim; the 'blue zone' Cannonau received global health media attention. |
| 2019 | — | Outstanding vintage; Cannonau from the Nuoro granite achieved record depth of colour and polyphenol concentration; longevity associations intensified international interest. |
| 2018 | — | Warm vintage producing generous Cannonau of good concentration; dark cherry and Mediterranean herb character well expressed; approachable from release. |