Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna 2001 Riserva

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna 2001 Riserva Italy, Sardinia ($12)

Picked this one up at the most diverse liquor store in my neighborhood. I have found other $12 Italian bottles here that have became regulars in my rotation. At first glance the label looked serious enough, it said reserve on it, and I could pick up that it was from Sardinia, Italy. It even said to open an hour before serving. Something totally different I assumed since I never had Cannonau grapes or anything from Sardinia for that matter.

Turns out i was half right. It's true it would be my first taste of a Sardinia wine but it turns out that Cannonau is just the Italian version of Grenache. This wine had three years in oak and the importer boasts it can sustain a decade or more of aging. I didn't wait a decade. Intense red color, with violets on the nose. Nice blend of cherry and plum on the palate. Smooth full texture that was quite pleasing. Overall a good wine, not a best buy though at $12. An interesting take on Grenache, though I can't say that it's my favorite grape. My grade: B

Comments

[Terry Hughes]

I think the Argiolas Perdera is a better take on cannoau, also available at Astor but occasionally cheaper elsewhere in town (Like Union Square Wines when they're having one of their 24% sales on mixed cases...i.e., down to where the prices should be all the time).

I did like this one though...got it also at Union Square.

Cheers.

Terry

[g58]

I would suggest the Perdera too, but I have to make a correction: it's not got any Cannonau in it. Like you, I'm not the hugest fan of grenache/cannonau in French or in Italian expressions. Try the Argiolas for a taste of Sardinia you might prefer.
On the subject of Italian wines, what led you to purchasing the Conti Brandolini? I too am waiting to uncork mine (2000) on New Year's Eve. The plan is that if it is as good as reviews indicate, it will make a great wedding gift for a Merlot-loving friend.

[WaterintoWino]

I picked up the Conti Brandolini, specifically because gourmet magazine listed it on a fruilian merlot article last month. I did a search on wine-searcher and found one. I had already been looking for a Merlot from Friuli after my friend had one at Felidia's in NYC and loved it. I also drank a delicious Cab Franc from Friuli the other day.