This red blend hails from Sardinia. Isola Dei Nuraghi is an appellation that covers all of Sardinia and surrounding islands and is used primarily for wines that do not fit the DOC or DOCG regulations.
A wine of real pathos at a tipping point. Although the nose shows muddled strawberry with faint hints of licorice and white pepper, the signature fragrance of a passing season, autumn leaves, is dominant with background hints of old books.
On the medium bodied palate, the opening of dried fruit lacks intensity, but it becomes juicy and mouthwatering midpalate showing more vivacity when the acid kicks in. Peppery tannins add a spicy rusticity on the finish which shows good length enlivened by a halo of spring water freshness.
This is still enjoyable but it’s losing it grip on life. Tinged with melancholy, fatalistic but still fervent it paired best with the wistful yet firm Sister Lost Soul by Alejandro Escovedo.
Technical Notes: This is a blend of Bovale 40%, Cannonau 30% and Monica 30%. “Cannonau” is the Sardinian name for Grenache. Bovale Grande is called “Carignan” in France and “Mazuelo” in Spain. Monica is a blending grape grown primarily in Sardinia. The island is warmer than the south of France where Grenache/Carignan blends are plentiful but cooler than Spain’s Cariñena where a similar blend flourishes. The grapes for this wine are grown on the west coast near Terralba; the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks.
Score: 88
Price: $23 (Purchase here)
Alc: 13.5%
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