Cantina di Gallura, Cannonau di Sardegna “Templum”

The origins of the Cannonau grape are unknown. The general belief is that it appeared on the Italian island of Sardinia in the 14th century, brought from Spain, during a period of Spanish domination of the island, and that it is either the canonazo grape of Seville or the granaxa grape of Aragon. There is also a belief (also unsubstantiated) that the cannonau grape is actually grenache! However it got there, canonau vines acclimated quickly to Sardinia, spreading thorughout the island and now making up over 20 per cent of the island's grape vine plantings.

Despite the vast plantings of cannonau, the wine is produced in relatively limited quantity. This is so because of what is known as short-pruning, a system of training the vines that drastically curtails fruit production.

Region: Sardegna
Production Area: Valley of San Leonardo, townships of Luras and Calangianus, in the province of Olbia-Tempio.
Appellation: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
Vintage: 2007
Varietal Blend: 100% Cannonau
Vineyard: Mostly at 1000 feet above sea level on a western and south western exposure.
Planting System: Guyot.
Soil: Granite soils of limited depth, rich in skeleton consisting of loose coarse granite rocks and sand.
Harvest: Early October.
Yield: About 2.8 tons per acre
Alcohol: 13.%
Vinification: It ferments for 8-10 days in stainless steel tanks with 4/5 daily pump-overs
Aging:  Not more than a couple of months in stainless steel tanks before bottling.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red color with purple hues. Aromas of fresh violet and fine spices. The acidity is bright. Hints at ripe black fruits on the palate with good balance of acidity and tannins. Medium finish.

Food Pairings: Appetizers, red meats, game, Sardinian Pecorino cheese.