Cannonau di Sardegna is a wine with a Controlled Designation of Origin, produced with Cannonau grapes grown in Sardinia and with other black berried grapes, non-aromatic and admitted by the production disciplinary in a small percentage. The production area of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC includes the entire island, from Gallura to Sulcis and Cagliari. There are various types of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC: the Cannonau di Sardegna Rosato and Rosso, the Cannonau di Sardegna Rosso Riserva, the Cannonau di Sardegna Passito, the Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso and the Cannonau di Sardegna Classico. Three sub-areas are also allowed within the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC appellation, based on the geographical origin of the Cannonau grapes used for production. These are Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Oliena or Nepente di Oliena (produced with grapes from Oliena and Orgosulo), Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Capo Ferrato (produced with grapes from Castiadas, Muravera, San Vito, Villaputzu and Villasimius) and Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Jerzu (produced with grapes from Jerzu and Cardedu). The history of the Cannonau grape is very controversial. Until a few years ago it was thought that Cannonau was a grape of Spanish origin, but the discovery of Cannonau seeds at the Duos Nuraghes archaeological site overturned the theory. Today the most probable hypothesis is that the grape is of oriental origin and that it was brought to Sardinia by the Phoenicians. Cannonau di Sardegna is a wine with an intense ruby red color, fragrant on the nose and savory on the palate. Its characteristic aroma is accentuated if the grapes used for production come from flat and coastal soils, while it is more delicate if the grapes have been grown on granite soils.

Buy Cannonau di Sardegna

Choosing which Cannonau di Sardegna DOC wine to buy can be a difficult task. The Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, in fact, can be:

Classic, if the Cannonau grapes used for production come only from the municipalities of the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra;
Rosé, characterized by a cherry pink color, intense aromas, a marked sapidity and a great taste pleasantness;
Red, characterized by a pale ruby red color, an alcohol content of at least 12.5°, an ageing of less than one year, a pleasant, dry and harmonious flavor;
Riserva, characterized by an intense ruby red color, an alcohol content of at least 13°, a minimum ageing of two years, an intense aroma and a full-bodied and structured taste profile;
Dry fortified wine, characterized by a ruby red color, an alcohol content of at least 18°, a drier and more intense flavor;
Sweet liqueur, characterized by an alcohol content of at least 16°, sweeter and more alcoholic on the palate, perfect for desserts based on figs, plums, dark chocolate or cooked fruit;
Passito, characterized by an alcohol content of 15°, an ethereal aroma and a sweet and intense flavor.

Now that you have deepened the main characteristics of each of the types of Cannonau provided by the production regulations, it will be easier for you to choose the perfect wine for your tastes. On Vino.com you will find many proposals suitable for every palate, discover all the details.

What are the characteristics of Cannonau di Sardegna?

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is a wine based on Cannonau, a native Sardinian black grape variety, very similar to Grenache. Cannonau is grown all over the island, for this reason the types of wine produced with this grape take on different characteristics depending on the climatic conditions and the unique soil of each micro-zone of Sardinia. Depending on the terroir of origin of Cannonau, the resulting wines may be characterized by more or less intense olfactory notes and a more or less concentrated palate, even if it is possible to identify some common traits in all Cannonau-based wines: balsamic notes and eucalyptus and fruity and spicy scents. The main characteristics of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC are the pale ruby red color, the fruity olfactory profile with hints of cherry and wild berries, the floral notes of violets and the spicy and herbaceous hints of black pepper and eucalyptus. It is a wine with a very intense and complex aromatic profile, full-bodied palate, balanced acidity, high alcohol content and velvety tannins. The alcohol content of Cannonau depends on the ripeness of the grapes, which in a very hot climate like that of Sardinia, reach a high sugar concentration. For this reason, Cannonau di Sardegna DOC wines have a great longevity and are perfect to taste even after many years. According to the type: rosé, red, red reserve, sweet liqueur, dry or passito, the tasting notes will tend to intensify, as will the body and alcohol content of the wine.

What dishes can Cannonau be paired with?

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC can be paired with many dishes of Italian gastronomy. The Cannonau Rosato, for example, is perfect for appetizers, first courses and white meats. The Cannonau di Sardegna Rosso and Riserva are perfect for grilled meats, roasts, braised meats, game and lamb. Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Passito is suitable for aged cheeses, blackberry, cherry, chocolate and hazelnut based desserts. Finally, the Cannonau di Sardegna Liquoroso goes divinely with dry pastries. On Vino.com you will find a wide range of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, different types able to satisfy all palates, with prices for all tastes. Discover the selection.

What is the best Cannonau?

To choose the best Cannonau of Sardinia you should ask yourself: what type of Cannonau wine is most suitable for the aperitif, lunch or dinner I have planned? If what you have in mind is a fresh Cannonau-based aperitif, we recommend: Cannonau di Sardegna Rosato DOC Nudo Siddùra. If, on the other hand, you are thinking of a more important dinner, with a wine with soft and intense tones, you could choose between the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Noras Cantina di Santadi or the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Falcale Piero Mancini. If you want to enrich your evening with even more spicy and powerful notes then you cannot miss the Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC Josto Miglior Jerzu or the famous Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC Senes Argiolas. On Vino.com there are certainly no shortage of options, discover the Cannonau that suits you best.