| CANTINA MESA Primo Scuro Isola dei Nuraghi 2008
This is one of the most exciting new wineries to come out of
Sardinia in two decades. It is the brainchild of Gavino Sanna, a
Sardinian who has lived in Milan for the past 50 years, where he
built up one of Italy.s most successful advertising agencies. On a
whim, he decided to sell the agency and seek new challenges.
One of these challenges was the creation of a winery in Sulcis in
southwestern Sardinia. As might be expected from someone with
Sanna.s background, the labels are striking. He has also ensured
that the contents are equally striking. Stefano Cova, a young
winemaker from Trentino, took over with the 2008 vintage,
improving on an already high level of quality.
The estate comprises 70 hectares in the heart of Sulcis Iglesiente. The
largest part of the vineyards is located in the Sant‘Anna Arresi area, in
a valley sheltered from the maestrale winds and surrounded by the
sea. The vines are vertically trained, largely to spurred cordon, some to
the alberello, or bush, style, depending on local conditions and
exposure.
2008 was an excellent vintage in this part of Sardinia, with the
welcome combination of heavy and frequent rainfall during winter
and early spring, hot, dry weather in summer and early autumn and a
cool breeze blowing from the north prevented the vines from
becoming stressed.
The grapes are picked by hand, de-stemmed and crushed. The juice
gently flows by gravity into fermenters on the level below, where the
must undergoes maceration and fermentation, for a period usually not
longer than seven days. The wine is given a brief maturation in stainless
steel tanks and in lined cement vats.
Ruby red in colour, full, generous fragrances of ripe wild fruit and
berries, with subtle notes of sweet violets. Full-bodied and well
balanced in the mouth, with supple tannins, nicely balanced structure
and a warm, heady finish.
Vintage 2008
Grape varieties 100% Cannonau
Region Sulcis
Winemaker Stefano Cova
Closure Cork
Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk
Price: £66.90 (Including VAT at 20%)
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