Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna

The Costera is the most accessible red wine from Argiolas — and yet it is anything but uncomplicated. Cannonau, Sardinia's most important red grape variety, shows here why it has been cultivated on the island for centuries.

Argiolas has been rooted in Serdiana in southern Sardinia since the 1930s and is one of the wineries that helped shape the international reputation of Sardinian red wines. The Costera is made from Cannonau grapes, which are cold-macerated for three days after the harvest — this gently releases color and tannins from the berry skins. The wine then matures for two years in Slovenian oak barrels, which are less dominant than French or American oak and allow the fruit to take center stage.

Deep ruby red with violet reflections appears in the glass. Ripe blackberry, dried plum, and a hint of tobacco on the nose. Velvety, well-integrated tannins on the palate, medium acidity, and a long finish with a spicy, slightly earthy note — typical for Cannonau.

• Food: Leg of lamb with rosemary, wild boar salami, aged Pecorino Sardo
• Temperature: 16–18 °C