Vivid, deep ruby red in color. This hearty, full-bodied wine from a new Sardinian vineyard delivers a complex, intense if still young nose of ripe red fruits, dry herb with smoky hints of licorice and myrtle. Full, harmonious mouthfeel opening to reveal elegant chocolate and cassis flavors which follow a consistent line, exposing balanced, juicy tannins that extend through to a long, nutty finish underscored by subtle notes of caramel. Muted oak flavor displays the vintner’s success at producing a wine that is enjoyable both young and mature. Very sophisticated, yet extremely drinkable with a lasting impression of its soft, dark and balanced craftsmanship.
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An ambitious offering by winemaker Sebastiano Rosa, this wine benefits from the proximity to the ocean for its cool breezes to moderate the hot, southwestern dry summers. The 2013 vintage is made from 85% Carignano, 10% Cabernet and 5% Merlot, cultivated in the blended calcareous, clay and sandy soil of the winemaker’s old Narcao and Barrua vineyards. The reliably low acidity of the Carignano grape cultivated in the Sulcis region lends to a distinct, refined smoothness.
Located in the region of Sardinia, Agricola Punica is a collaboration between several prominent names in the wine industry, including the legendary winemaker Sebastiano Rosa, Santadi (a well-established Sardinian winery), Tenuta San Guido (the producer of Sassicaia, one of Italy’s most famous wines), and the winemaker Giacomo Tachis.
The flagship wine is “Barrua,” a red blend that typically includes Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. This wine showcases the potential of Sardinian terroir to produce rich, structured, and age-worthy wines. Another notable wine is “Montessu,” a red blend that combines Carignano with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. “Samas” is their white blend, typically made from Vermentino and Chardonnay grapes, expressing the freshness and minerality of Sardinian white wines.
The involvement of Sebastiano Rosa, who gained recognition for his work at Tenuta San Guido and Sassicaia, ensures a high level of expertise in winemaking techniques and quality standards. Giacomo Tachis, often called the “father of modern Italian winemaking,” contributed extensive knowledge to the project before his passing, adding prestige to the endeavor.
Agricola Punica’s wines have garnered attention and acclaim in the wine world for their combination of tradition and innovation. The collaboration between respected figures in the industry, along with the commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of Sardinia, has solidified Agricola Punica’s reputation as a producer of distinctive and noteworthy wines.
Maturation: Aged in 30% new French oak barrels for approximately 18 months. It then rests in glass for at least 6 months.