Cannonau di Sardegna

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) is reserved for a range of wines that includes: Rosso, Rosso Riserva, Rosato, Passito, Liquoroso, Classico. These wines are also reserved for the sub-areas: Oliena or Nepente di Oliena, Capoferrato and Jerzu.

Grapes

All wines of the "Cannonau di Sardegna" denomination must be produced using a minimum quota of 85% of grapes from the Cannonau vine. The percentage rises to 90% for the wine with a Classico specification. For the rest, other non-aromatic black grapes, suitable for cultivation in the region, may be used.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

"Cannonau Rosso" has a characteristic ruby hue, which tends towards garnet in the Riserva version. The smell is pleasant and goes well with a savoury taste. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 12.5% vol. (13% vol. for the Reserve). The organoleptic characteristics are very similar to those of the Classico variant, with an alcohol content of 13.5% vol. Rosato (12.5% vol.), on the other hand, is pink in colour, with a pleasant smell and a savoury flavour. The taste of the Passito (15% vol.) is sweeter and fuller, with a ruby colour and an intense, ethereal aroma. The same olfactory notes as Liquoroso, which however has a fuller and more harmonious flavour, ranging from dry to sweet, and a colour that tends towards garnet. The alcoholic strength is 18% vol. for Liquoroso and 16% vol. for Liquoroso dolce.

Grape production area

The grapes that give life to "Cannonau" can be grown throughout the region of Sardegna. The exception is the Classico variant, for which the production area is limited to the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra.

Specificity and historical notes

Sardegna has characteristics that allow the perfect growth of both wild and cultivated vines. For this reason, it has always played a central role in the wine scene. According to historical reconstructions, the first vines arrived on the island from Mesopotamia, transported by the Phoenicians. More specifically, the birth of Cannonau wine dates back to the 17th century.