Santadi Rocca Rubia Riserva

Indigenous grape varieties – a phenomenon we encounter throughout Italy, including Sardinia. Fortunately, there's a strong trend back to the roots and a high demand for authentic varieties. Anyone in Sardinia who owns Vermentino and Nuragus (white) and Carignano, Cannonau, and Monica (reds) is truly fortunate. Production has declined dramatically in recent decades, leaving behind the best and healthiest vineyards. This reduction in quantity has come at the expense of quality. Santadi is one of Sardinia's leading producers – a remarkable achievement for a cooperative. This success is also thanks to the young and remarkably modest oenologist, Piero Cella. Furthermore, they are supported by one of Italy's top oenologists, the 80-year-old Giacomo Tachis. Santadi wines come from the finest vineyards near the Sardinian coast in the Sulcis region. The soils here are perfectly suited to the older Carignano vines, which produce beautifully concentrated wines. After a year of barrel aging and a year in the bottle, the result is an elegant combination of spice and (forest) fruit. This Carignano del Sulcis from Santadi is particularly well-suited to aging in barriques. Thanks to the microclimate, the wine achieves a perfect balance between extract, tannins, alcohol, and acidity almost every year. It displays an intense, deep ruby ​​red color. The nose offers intense, fruity notes of ripe blackberries and raspberries, along with vanilla, leather, and licorice. On the palate, velvety tannins, a full body, and intense fruit aromas characterize this wine. Complexity and multifaceted nature define this wine. Wine Spectator: 89 points for the 2009 vintage.