Montessu Agricola Punica 2020

Montessu, AgriPunica, IGT Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardinia, Italy, 2020

Grapes: A blend of 60% Carignano, with the remainder equal parts Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, hand harvested, aged 12 months in French oak barrels

A deep violet colour, the wine shows aromas of red fruits and Mediterranean aromatic herbs. In the mouth, the wine has full-bodied black fruit flavours, with soft, saline notes along with elegant traces of caper, rosemary and black pepper, enhancing a long silky finish.

"A gamey and earthy nose on this wine conveys cured meat, potting soil, tree bark and tobacco leaves, with a final bite of fresh cranberries. The palate turns to notes of fruit on top of the earthy gaminess, with cherries and blackberries in addition to cranberries. Angular tannins hold everything in place."

90/100 points, Wine Enthusiast, July 2023

AgriPunica is a joint venture between Sardinian co-operative Cantina di Santadi and Tenuta San Guido, the maker of one of Italy's most famous wines, Sassacaia. Set up in 2002, the company puchased two estates in the Basso Sulcis area, located in the south of the island.

A wine that cries out for rich, meat dishes such as lamb or pork stew, spicy pasta and medium seasoned cheeses.