Tasted: Argiolas Serra Lori, Costera Cannonau, Sella and Mosca Cannonau

By / Wine + Drinks / July 24th, 2013 / 2

Sardegna is not a place that comes to mind first when considering possible travel destinations. Nor is it a popular pick at the liquor store. Those sorry facts have nothing at all to do with reality. Sardegna is an incredibly beautiful place to visit with pristine, sandy beaches and welcoming people. The wine produced there is equally enticing. The island’s exceptional climate nurtures the grapes until they let loose with all their complex flavours in the hands of the winemaker. Not sure where to start? Here are three excellent suggestions.

Argiolas Serra Lori Isola Dei Nuraghi Rosé 2010

This is definitely not your grandmother’s rosé. It’s strawberry in colour with aromas of raspberry, cherry, strawberry and cranberry. Flavours of strawberry, spice, and red currant coat the tongue. Nicely tart on the finish, and balanced acidity leaves you ready for the next sip. Grilled pork chops or vegetable tossed pasta would complement the wine’s fruit flavours perfectly. ($12.25)

Argiolas Costera Cannonau Di Sardegna 2009

The first bottle I sampled was corked. Unfortunately, the smell of wet cardboard does nothing to enhance one’s enjoyment of wine. Second try: there’s a lovely aroma of dark cherries and summer berries with a hint of tar and black pepper here. Dark sour cherry continues through to the palate with the addition of chocolate and a slight nuance of menthol. The finish is slightly tannic. Pair it with any kind of roasted meat. ($17.95)

Sella & Mosca Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva 2008

Mind-blowing. Really. I was not expecting this level of complexity. This wine kept surprising me with layers of aromas and flavours. If you’ve ever questioned how wine can be juicy, this one is your answer. That was the first descriptor that jumped to mind after my first sip. A velvety and silky mouthfeel gives way to a robust and lingering finish. There’s intense leather with undertones of cola and dark chocolate on the bouquet, and flavours of dark cherry, chocolate and sweet spices, like cinnamon and cloves. This wine is an incredible value. I drank this one on the first night of my pseudo-tour, paired with roast boar. ($14.95)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Looking at the small things that make life great and the people who create them.

Comments are closed.

North America’s Longest Running Food & Wine Magazine

Get Quench-ed!!!

Champion storytellers & proudly independent for over 50 years. Free Weekly newsletter & full digital access