Agricola Punica Isola dei Nuraghi Barrua 2013 750ml

Created by the same folks behind Tuscany’s legendary Sassicaia, this is an all-Sardinian blend of 85% Carignano, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. The 2013 Barrua is a beautifully balanced and seamless expression with dark fruit aromas that flow effortlessly from the bouquet. Those tones of blackberry, prune and dried fig segue to spice, tar, licorice and black olive. This vintage really works in terms of the intensity and the precision of the bouquet. The tannins are integrated, and the wine is layered and long lasting. Some 125,000 bottles were produced.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Sardinia
• Appellation: Isola Dei Nuraghi
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Carignan

Carignan is an ancient blue-skinned grape varietal, thought to be indigenous to the Aragon region of Spain. However, today it is most commonly associated with the fine wines of southern France, and has been grown in many countries around the world which have the warm and dry conditions it requires to thrive. Carignan is recognized as being quite a sensitive vine, highly susceptible to all kinds of rot and mildew, although producing excellent results when given the right conditions and handled correctly. Its high tannin levels and acidity make the Carignan grapes very astringent, and as such, they are often used as a blending grape to give body to other, lesser bodied varietals. Despite this, with careful treatment, Carignan can produce superb single varietal wines packed full of character and unique attributes.