The crops
The Essence of Sardinia in Five Grape Varieties: An Oenological Journey Through Cagnulari, Cannonau, and International Elegance
Sardinia is not only a land of ancient civilizations and wild landscapes, but also a winemaking laboratory where indigenous grapes meet international ones, giving rise to wines with unmistakable personalities. The vineyards that thrive in areas like those of the Corradile Winery represent a historical legacy and a modern vision of quality wine.
Let's delve into the soil, climate, and sensory characteristics of the five varieties that define this region's winemaking identity, focusing on their technical profiles.
Cagnulari
Cagnulari (also known as Cagnularu or Cagnolari) is a rediscovered and promoted black grape variety, typical of north-western Sardinia, particularly the province of Sassari.
- Technical Profile: This is a medium-late ripening grape variety. It prefers calcareous and clayey soils, such as those surrounding the Ossi area, where it develops remarkable aromatic complexity. It offers a firm yet elegant tannic structure and a good acidity that guarantees longevity.
- Oenological Character: Cagnulari DOC wines (such as "Corradile" from Cantina Corradile) are distinguished by their aromas of wild red fruit, citrus notes (such as blood orange), and hints of Mediterranean scrub (juniper, myrtle). On the palate, they are harmonious, savory, and dry, often with a refreshing salty note from their proximity to the sea.
- Why Enjoy It: It's the most authentic and least-known expression of Sardinia. It's a wine that invites discovery, offering a rustic elegance perfect for pairing with Sardinian cuisine.
Bovale
Bovale (Bovale Sardo or Bovaleddu) is another native black grape variety, often used in blends, but capable of producing IGT wines of great intensity.
- Technical Profile: It is a vigorous grape variety that prefers warm climates and well-drained, clayey soils. Its main characteristic is its ability to achieve high sugar concentrations and a notable polyphenolic content, giving the wine an intense color and a robust structure .
- Oenological Character: Bovale IGT (like "Pròtome") produces wines with a deep ruby red color. Its aroma is exuberant, dominated by intense aromas of ripe red fruits (blackberry, plum) and spicy notes that often veer toward black pepper or licorice after aging. It is a deep and enveloping wine.
- Why Enjoy It: It's ideal for those seeking power and structure. Its solidity makes it the perfect partner for more substantial dishes, such as grilled red meats and aged cheeses.
Cannonau
Cannonau is the symbolic red grape variety of Sardinia, widely grown throughout the island.
- Technical Profile: Highly resistant to drought and heat, it offers consistent yields and a high concentration of resveratrol (a property known for its antioxidant function). Its grapes rapidly accumulate sugars, resulting in wines with generally high alcohol content.
- Oenological Character: Cannonau DOC wines are powerful, warm, and smooth. The bouquet ranges from notes of ripe cherry and currant to evolved hints of leather, tobacco, and sweet spices (vanilla, cinnamon) after aging. Its tannic structure is rounded and well-balanced by warmth.
- Why Enjoy It: It's the thousand-year history of liquid Sardinia. A meditation wine or to pair with game and richer traditional dishes.
Cabernet
Cabernet (mainly Sauvignon or Franc) is an international grape variety that has found in Sardinia a terroir capable of enhancing its typical austerity.
- Technical Profile: A late-ripening wine, it requires specific soil and climate conditions to complete its phenolic development. In Sardinia's well-exposed, clayey soils, it manages to mitigate the typical herbaceous aromas, concentrating the fruit and structure. It is known for its high tannin and anthocyanin content, which guarantees a long aging potential.
- Oenological Character: Sardinian Cabernets express intense aromas of green pepper, blackcurrant, mint, and balsamic notes . The palate is powerful, with muscular tannins that often require wood aging to soften, lending complexity and persistence.
- Why Enjoy It: To appreciate how a global grape variety can acquire a Mediterranean character, with a tannic and aromatic boost ideal for true lovers of full-bodied reds.
Merlot
Merlot is an international grape variety known for its softness, which in Sardinia takes on a particular concentration.
- Technical Profile: It is an early-ripening grape. Unlike Cabernet, it is less demanding and guarantees a full body and moderate acidity. Grapes harvested at perfect phenolic ripeness reduce vegetal notes, emphasizing the fruity, velvety notes.
- Oenological Character: Sardinian Merlot is characterized by its immediacy and enveloping character. Aromas of plum, blueberry, and notes of chocolate and coffee when aged in barrique dominate. On the palate, it is soft, rounded, and beautifully balanced, with silky tannins.
- Why Enjoy It: It's the "velvety touch" of Sardinian winemaking. Perfect for those seeking a versatile red, intense yet easily enjoyed even with rich first courses or white meats.
An Invitation to Taste: A Glass of History and Passion
The Corradile Winery captures the soul of its vineyards in wines that honor the history of " Sa Grutta" and the vision of the Muresu family.
Tasting a Cagnulari DOC "Corradile" or a Bovale IGT "Pròtome" is not just a drink, but an act of sensorial knowledge: it is perceiving the flavor of the limestone rock, the strength of the Mistral wind, and the commitment of generations.
Are you ready to explore the balance between tradition and innovation? Discover the complete collection and let yourself be guided by the excellence that only Sardinia can offer.
