Montessu Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2023
Trade Tools
Italy / Sardinia
Montessu is named after an archaeological site near Agricola Punica’s Narcao estate. The region is dominated by Carignano, an indigenous grape known for its elegant tannins. It is a sun-loving grape that thrives in the brown earth composed of calcareous clay and sandy soil. Production per acre is low (640 gallons per acre). Hand harvested grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation. Each variety is vinified separately, and the wine is transferred to French oak barriques (2-3 years old) with a medium toast. The wine ages for 12 months then rests for about 45 days in cement tanks before being bottled without filtration. Released after 3 months in bottle.
Harvest Note
The 2023 season was hot but the Sulcis region received rain in spring and also in August, enabling the grapes to mature well and with good quality. Sulcis also avoided grape losses due to hail that occurred in other regions of Sardinia. Overall, it was an excellent year for both red and white grapes in terms of quality.
Tasting Note
A deep ruby red color, this elegant and intense wine presents aromas of red fruits like cherry and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with black fruit flavors like blackberry and soft saline notes along with elegant traces of capers, rosemary, and black pepper. The finish is velvety and long.
Technical Data
GRAPES: Carignano (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Syrah (10%)
APPELLATION: Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
PH: 3.68
ACIDITY: 5 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: 12 months in French oak barrels
Unique Selling Points
- High quality wines with an international outlook from Sardinia
- A robust and modern blend based on Carignano, an indigenous variety
- Aged for 12 months in French oak barriques
- Agricola Punica was founded by an all-star team of winemakers in 2002
Besides having all the characteristics of a great terroir, the south-west corner of Sardinia where Barrua and Narcao are located has a great quality of light which makes the maturations of the grapes perfect and very complex.
About the Grape
Carignan
Carignan has an alluring blend of violet, spice, wild herb, red and black currant, and forest floor characters. Its assertive acidity and rustic gamey characters are great blending elements.
