Turriga IGT Isola dei Nuraghi red 0.75L

Turriga is Sardinia's most famous red wine – a flagship that demonstrates what the island can achieve with indigenous grape varieties. Argiolas, Sardinia's leading winery based in Serdiana southeast of Cagliari, has been producing it since the late 1980s in collaboration with oenologist Giacomo Tachis, who was also the force behind Sassicaia.

The cuvée is based primarily on Cannonau (Garnacha), complemented by Carignano, Bovale Sardo, and Malvasia Nera – all deeply rooted Sardinian varieties that grow on low-calcium, dry soils under the Mediterranean sun. After vinification, the wine matures for 12 months in barriques, followed by another 6 months in the bottle.

In the glass, it shows an intense ruby red. The bouquet opens with blackberry, dried plum, and black cherry, accompanied by licorice, Mediterranean herbs, and a balsamic undertone. Powerful on the palate, but with velvety integrated tannins – no sharp finish, but a long, spicy finish with a hint of dark chocolate.

Food pairing: Leg of lamb with rosemary, grilled wild boar, mature Pecorino Sardo.
Temperature: 17–18 °C.
Drinking window: now until 2028.