| CANTINA MESA Rosso 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.
After the grapes are de-stemmed and crushed, the
juice flowed using gravity into fermenters on the level below, where
the must underwent maceration and fermentation for approximately
ten days. The wine remained for several months in stainless steel tanks
and in lined cement vats before bottling.
Good depth of ruby red colour and a rounded, aromatic nose with
perfumes of blackberry and spice. On the palate it is robust but not
rustic, with ripe, rounded tannins supporting the lively, juicy fruit and
long, spiced finish.
Vintage 2008
Grape varieties 50% Carignan
50% Syrah
Region Sulcis
Winemaker Stefano Cova
Closure Cork
Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk
Price: £60.60 (Including VAT at 20%)
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