AGRICOLA PUNICA | Barrua | Isola dei Nuraghi | 2019
carignan | cabernet sauvignon | merlot

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Agricola Punica is the result of a visionary partnership between esteemed tuscan winemaker Giacomo Tachis and the Cantina Santadi. This collaborative effort aims to elevate sardinian viticulture to new heights, showcasing the island’s unique terroir and grape varieties. With a dedication to producing premium wines, the wine estate has established itself as a noteworthy winery in the landscape of italian winemaking.Today we are going to review a quite remarkable wine from the stunning island of Sardinia, which is one of Italy’s most famous wine regions – Barrua Isola dei Nuraghi 2019 by Agricola Punica. This wine is a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: carignan (85% – known locally as carignano, sulcis or carignano del sulcis, which is a local clone of the carignan/cariñena grape variety), cabernet sauvignon (10%) and merlot (5%), where carignan forms the wine’s main body and brings to the forefront those dehydrated fruits notes that are characteristic of this grape variety, cabernet sauvignon enhances the wine’s color, depth and adds structure on the palate, while merlot builds a more refined mid-palate and creates a leaner and a more dynamic finish.

Carignan (known also as Cariñena or Carignano) is a dark-skinned red grape variety native to northeast Spain, particularly the region of Aragón. Known for its deep color, high acidity, and tannins, carignan can produce wines with bold, earthy flavors, hints of black fruit, and spicy, sometimes smoky undertones. Historically, it was widely planted across Spain and southern France, particularly in Languedoc-Roussillon region, as a blending grape, however, it can be challenging to work with, due to its naturally high acidity and tannins, and as thus, it thrives best on old vines where it can produce concentrated, balanced wines.

This wine is produced from the grapes sourced from the Sulcis region of Sardinia (IGT Isola dei Nuraghi). The unique climate and soil of the region contribute not only to the quality of the grapes but also to the intense character of the wine. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged for 18 months in french oak barriques, from which 30% new oak, and another 6 months in the bottle before it was deemed ready to be released on the market.

The Sulcis area, nestled in the southwestern corner of Sardinia, benefits from excellent natural light and ideal growing conditions for grapes. The area’s medium-textured soils, composed of clay, sand, and limestone, ensure good drainage while preserving moisture for the vines. The combination of these factors contributes to the wine’s overall structure and complexity, enhancing the characteristic flavors of the Carignano del Sulcis grape variety.

color: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, this wine presents a medium-deep garnet color, with hazy shades at the rim that suggest a lively and rich character. The wine’s vibrant hue gives a glimpse of its intensity and depth.

intensity: rich & elegant
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

The olfactory profile of this wine is both rich and elegant, revealing a complex layering of aromas. The forefront showcases dried fruits such as cranberry, dark cherry, and black plum, intermingled with touches of sweet tobacco and sun-dried oak. The background is enhanced by fragrant spice notes like clove and anise, alongside earthy undertones of pencil lead and marl. This aromatic complexity creates an inviting and multi-dimensional bouquet that keeps revealing new facets with each swirl of the glass.

sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: seedy-crisp

On the palate, the wine delivers a firm and seedy mouthfeel, reflective of its well-structured tannins. The nuanced flavor continues the theme of dried fruits, with a noticeable richness that is both crisp and dry. A vibrant acidity balances the wine, while a touch of alcoholic warmth envelops the palate, ultimately leading towards a lingering and seedy-astringent finish. It is harmoniously complex and long-lasting, showcasing the quality of the vintage and the potential for further development in the bottle.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 to 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this wine is not only a well-structured and complex blend, but it also a wine that retains a distinct varietal typicity. Currently drinking well, it has the potential to evolve further over the next 3 to 5 years, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and for cellaring, making it a noteworthy option for those seeking depth and elegance.

AGRICOLA PUNICA | Barrua | Isola dei Nuraghi | 2019
variety: carignan | cabernet sauvignon | merlot
country: Italy
region: Sardinia
rating: 94.0

Pairing this elegant wine with rich dishes such as grilled lamb, hearty stews, or even a platter of aged cheeses will create a delightful harmony that complements the wine’s robust character. The interplay between the wine’s acidity and the richness of the dishes will elevate the overall dining experience.

Agricola Punica is not just about producing outstanding wines, it stands as a symbol of the potential that Sardinia possesses in the world of winemaking, born from a joint venture between the Tenuta San Guido, sardinian winery AgriPunica, Santadi’s President Antonello Pilloni and legendary tuscan winemaker, Giacomo Tachis, who from his first visit to Sardinia, immediately realized the potential of this territory.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!