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| ~ The Entrance Leading to the Barrel Cellars ~ |
Sella and Mosca’s “I Piani” estate in Sardinia constitutes one of the largest contiguous vineyards in Italy. Situated in the northwest corner of Sardinia, just inland from the historic port of Alghero, Sella & Mosca’s 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres under vine is also one of the largest estates in Europe.
Founded in 1899, the estate has changed hands over the years and is now owned by the Campari group. However, the quality of their indigenous wines should not be ignored. Robert Parker called their Cannonau Riserva “the world’s best wine under $20.” That’s high praise indeed and while I’m not so sure I agree with it entirely, the value here is noteworthy.
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| ~ The estate is unique, with the winery & offices set amidst vineyards and tropical palm trees ~ |
Recently we tried the 2009 Cannonau Riserva and were very impressed by the intensity of the fruit and the complex aromatics for a wine at this price point.
In the glass the wine is deep ruby red with vibrant reflections all the way to the rim of the bowl. The aroma is penetrating and notes of stargazer lily leap from the glass. Violets and crushed red fruits are also very discernible. On the palate this mid-weight wine is fresh and lively with flavors of red fruits, cooking spices and Mediterranean herbs. More polished than rustic. After being fermented in stainless steel, the wine is transferred to large Slavonian casks for 2 years and then refined up to 6 months in bottle prior to release. Really nice value. 87 points, about $10.
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| ~ Really nice value in this Sardinia red ~ |
Salute!
I love this wine! Very accurate review John, it is surprisingly rich and complex given the price range.. Outstanding value here!
I agree Raph, and another thing about this wine…. It was a strange set of circumstances that left this wine opened and unfinished for 3-4 days. It sat on the counter and was just as delicious when we came back to it.