Montessu Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2024
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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 2024 Sardinia vintage was marked by drought, with low water reserves and a hot, dry summer. Yields were about 25% lower, but steady conditions allowed smooth harvesting from late August to October 1. Despite lower volumes, both white and red wines show very good quality.
Tasting Note
A deep violet colour, the wine shows aromas of red fruits and Mediterranean aromatic herbs. In the mouth, the wine has full-bodied black fruit flavors, with soft, saline notes along with elegant traces of caper, rosemary and black pepper, enhancing a long silky finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 60% Carignano, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 10% Syrah
APPELLATION: Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
PH: 3.67
ACIDITY: 5.28 g/l
ABV: 14.5%
AGING: Montessu has an ageing potential of 10 - 12 years, with its best time to drink window after 5 to 10 years.
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.
