Meloni Il Biologico Cannonau di Sardegna DOC 2020

Meloni's Cannonau Il Biologico is born in southern Sardinia, on the Campu Pirastu farm in Senorbì, in the heart of the Trexenta hills, north of Cagliari. The Cannonau vines, the Sardinian name for Grenache Noir, take root here in sandy soils at about 300 metres above sea level, in a hot, bright, wind-swept Mediterranean climate. Based in Selargius, at the gates of Cagliari, the Meloni house has farmed its vineyard organically for more than twenty years.

The Cannonau grapes, harvested ripe, first undergo a two-day cold maceration, which gently extracts colour and aromas. This is followed by a traditional maceration of eight to ten days in stainless-steel tanks, at a controlled 24 to 26 °C. The wine sees no oak at all, to preserve the purity of the fruit. The organic approach extends to the packaging: a closure made from cork and beeswax, a label made from grape stems and skins, and lightweight recycled glass.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, plum, myrtle, black pepper, liquorice and maquis. Beneath a deep ruby colour, the nose is intense and expressive, blending red and black fruit with spicy, wild touches. The broad, structured palate rests on well-melted tannins and indulgent fruit, with no heaviness at all. The supple, spicy finish makes it a natural companion for Mediterranean cooking.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!