Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 2020

The 2020 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva (94 pts – James Suckling) presents a deep ruby-red color with garnet edges. On the nose, it reveals inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, cherries, and plums, intertwined with earthy notes of forest floor, dried herbs, and tobacco. Subtle hints of leather and spices add complexity. On the palate, the wine offers a full-bodied and smooth feel, with velvety tannins that provide balance and structure. The fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry are complemented by earthy undertones, while oak aging introduces a touch of toasted wood. The wine has bright acidity, lifting the flavors and offering a fresh finish, which is long and elegant, lingering with dark fruit and earthy nuances, making it a perfect wine for aging. This wine embodies the power and complexity of Sardinia, offering a memorable tasting experience. We recommend serving cool but not chilled (60°-64° F). Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035.

Pair the Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 2020 with hearty meats like grilled lamb, steak, or game meats such as venison. It also complements rich pasta dishes like wild boar ragù or Bolognese. For a Mediterranean touch, serve with aged cheeses like Pecorino or a charcuterie platter. The wine’s robust character enhances these savory dishes, making it a perfect choice for bold, flavorful meals.

Sella & Mosca, founded in 1899, is one of Sardinia’s most prestigious wineries. Located in Alghero on the island’s northwest coast, the estate spans over 500 hectares of vineyards, benefiting from a warm Mediterranean climate ideal for growing indigenous grapes like Cannonau. This grape variety, a local variety of Grenache, thrives in the region’s sun-drenched, rocky soils.

Sella & Mosca blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and minimal intervention in the vineyard. The winery focuses on creating wines that reflect Sardinia’s unique terroir, especially with Cannonau, which excels in the region’s climate. The 2020 Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva was harvested from hand-selected grapes, fermented, and aged in oak for over 12 months. This careful aging process adds complexity and structure while preserving the freshness of the fruit. The winery’s commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability shines through in this wine, which showcases the distinctive character of Sardinia's landscape. With aging potential, this wine evolves beautifully, offering richness and elegance in every bottle.

Although an autonomous region of Italy since the 18th century, Sardinian wines bear little resemblance to their mainland counterparts. Italy’s most important and ubiquitous grapes (Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, and Trebbiano among others) hardly make an appearance in Sardinia. Instead, Malvasia, Muscat, and Vermentino dominate Sardinia’s white wine scene, with Vermentino di Gallura the only Sardinian wine awarded DOCG status so far. Cannonau (Grenache), Carignano (Carignan) and Spain’s Bobal proliferate among the red varietals on the island. Cabernet Sauvignon is also currently finding favor. Although one would think that red wines would be Sardinia’s enological claim to fame, Vermentino, crisp, white, and flavorful, has come front and center to serve as Sardinia’s oenological ambassador to the world.