Cantina di Gallura, Nebbiolo dei Colli Limbara ”Karana”

The Nebbiolo grapes have been brought to Sardinia in the early 1700 by Piedmontese farmers that came to the island. The presence in the Sardinia of this classic Piedmontese varietal can find an easy explanation in the intermingled histories of these two regions.  It is grown almost exclusively in the valleys surrounding the small town of Luras, in Gallura. Here the Nebbiolo grapes produce a totally different result. The grape thrives in this climate where it is bathed in sunshine. The Karana is not a wine that deals well with long aging. It should be drunk in the first 3 years.

Region: Sardegna
Production Area: Township of Luras, in the province of Olbia-Tempio.
Appellation: Nebbiolo dei Colli Limbara, IGT
Vintage: 2007
Varietal Blend: 90% Nebbiolo, 10% Sangiovese and Carigagiola
Vineyard: Located around the township of Luras, Mostly at 1000 feet above sea level on a western and south western exposure.
Planting System: Head trained,
Soil: Granite soils of limited depth, rich in skeleton consisting of loose coarse granite rocks and sand. Acidic, poor in nutrients, very good drainage.
Harvest: Mid September.
Yield: About 3.0 tons per acre
Alcohol: 13.%
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel tanks with a short 5-6 maceration.
Aging: 5 to 8 months in stainless steel tanks.

Tasting Notes: The color is a beautifully clear ruby. The nose reveals a strong, clean and long-lasting aroma with a nuance of ripe blackberries, plum and cherries. It tastes dry, full and structured with an extraordinary balance between its mellowness, its acidity and its tannins.

Food Pairings: Excellent with mushroom risotto, game ragù, boiled and grilled lean meats, and mild Sardinian Pecorino cheese.