Giovanni Montisci
Riserva Barrosu Cannonau di Sardegna Cannonau
Sardinia, Italy
A few bottles I opened with my buddy Joe Lucca when work brings him to town!
After having the 2021 rosé version last month, I’ve been itching to try the red. Sardinian Cannonau, which is their version of Grenache.
Followed over two days.
Deep ruby with a hint of purple. Initial aromatics show a little smoke, peppered black raspberries, black cherries and sweet florals. The warmth of the wine is noticeable on the palate…cherry jerky, kirsch, rhubarb, spice. Hibiscus tea. The fruit is bright and almost crunchy (not overly ripe). Good acidity. Structure is quite impressive…plenty of tannin on day two. There’s a faint herbal, almost medicinal, note that I find often in Italian reds like barbera and some merlot. The ABV pokes out a bit (15.5), but I suppose that matches their climate.
If poured blind, Grenache (or Grenache blend) would be the call…juicy, bright, peppery, elevated warmth. It comes across as a singular expression, not a big blend. However, there’s no way I’m taking this to Italy…or rather, Sardinia! Decant for an hour, or hold a few more years.
A few bottles I opened with my buddy Joe Lucca when work brings him to town!
After having the 2021 rosé version last month, I’ve been itching to try the red. Sardinian Cannonau, which is their version of Grenache.
Followed over two days.
Deep ruby with a hint of purple. Initial aromatics show a little smoke, peppered black raspberries, black cherries and sweet florals. The warmth of the wine is noticeable on the palate…cherry jerky, kirsch, rhubarb, spice. Hibiscus tea. The fruit is bright and almost crunchy (not overly ripe). Good acidity. Structure is quite impressive…plenty of tannin on day two. There’s a faint herbal, almost medicinal, note that I find often in Italian reds like barbera and some merlot. The ABV pokes out a bit (15.5), but I suppose that matches their climate.
If poured blind, Grenache (or Grenache blend) would be the call…juicy, bright, peppery, elevated warmth. It comes across as a singular expression, not a big blend. However, there’s no way I’m taking this to Italy…or rather, Sardinia! Decant for an hour, or hold a few more years.
Best Grenache outside Chateaneuf? I'd say this has a leg up on Comando G stuff as there is a but more depth but silky and fine, suoe long and light as a feather on the palate. Tiny producer...very hard to find. Alcohol is perfectly integrated, at 15.5 you'd never know!
Best Grenache outside Chateaneuf? I'd say this has a leg up on Comando G stuff as there is a but more depth but silky and fine, suoe long and light as a feather on the palate. Tiny producer...very hard to find. Alcohol is perfectly integrated, at 15.5 you'd never know!
Apr 7th, 2022
What an insane bottle. More details to come.
What an insane bottle. More details to come.
Oct 28th, 2018Good wine but a 'bit too strong for my taste. Alcohol does not fully integrated.
Good wine but a 'bit too strong for my taste. Alcohol does not fully integrated.
Nov 24th, 2016This bottle was a hit with our entire group. The nose smelled like walking into a bakery - never smelled anything like it. It was complex yet smooth and very drinkable. It paired nicely with Branzino and Ravoli.
This bottle was a hit with our entire group. The nose smelled like walking into a bakery - never smelled anything like it. It was complex yet smooth and very drinkable. It paired nicely with Branzino and Ravoli.
Jan 30th, 2016
Distinct Southern Characteristics
Distinct Southern Characteristics
Mar 24th, 2015
