Argiolas farms the warm, windy south of Sardinia, and this is one of the island's own blends rather than a French or mainland recipe. Bovale Sardo and Carignano, two grapes that ripen slowly in the sun and the mistral, bottled under Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, the island-wide appellation that lets Sardinian growers put native varieties together without leaving the island.
- Bovale Sardo and Carignano, both grown in Sardinia.
- Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, the island's own appellation.
- 2020, a warm, dry vintage across the island.
- Full body, medium tannin, medium acidity.
- 14.5% alcohol, dry.
How it is made
Isola dei Nuraghi is a catch-all appellation, which is why it exists: it gives Sardinian growers room to blend native grapes the way they always have, instead of forcing them into a single-variety mould. Bovale Sardo brings colour and grip, Carignano brings the dark fruit and the structure that keeps the wine standing up.
How it tastes
Black cherry and plum first, then licorice and dried herbs underneath. The tannins are firm but rounded off, and the finish is long and soft rather than sharp. Full in the mouth without being heavy.
Where it comes from
Sardinia's warm, windy south, where Carignano has been grown on the island for centuries and Bovale Sardo is native to it. The mistral keeps the vines dry and the fruit healthy through a hot summer.
Good to know
Carignano arrived in Sardinia from Spain and found the island's heat so agreeable that it became one of the most planted red grapes there. Bovale Sardo is less travelled: outside Sardinia it is rare, and the two together in one bottle are the island's own idea.
Contains alcohol.
