Italy — wine

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC

Sardinia's flagship red wine DOC from Cannonau (Grenache) grown across the island; the oldest Cannonau vines (some 100+ years old) are head-trained alberello; rich, full-bodied reds with cherry, herbs, Mediterranean warmth. The Nuoro region (particularly Oliena and Orgosolo) produces the finest expressions. Sardinia's blue zone longevity connection partly attributed to moderate Cannonau consumption.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good Mediterranean vintage; warm Cannonau with characteristic island herb
2022 Good year; Mediterranean heat produced concentrated reds; herbal character particularly pronounced
2021 Excellent; old vine Cannonau of great depth and complexity; benchmark expressions from Oliena
2020 Good growing season; Nuoro Cannonau from granite shows mineral freshness alongside fruit richness
2019 Excellent vintage; old alberello vines show extraordinary depth; cherry and herbs with fine structure
2018 Good Cannonau year; warm conditions; old vine concentration; Mediterranean warmth balanced by herbal freshness
2017 Hot and dry; concentrated, tannic Riserva wines for long cellaring