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The 2019 Cantine Locci Zuddas 'Iscra Ruja' Cannonau di Sardegna is a true celebration of Sardinia, an island where wine is more than just a drink—it's a way of life.

Nestled in one of the Mediterranean’s most cherished wine regions, Sardinia is one of only five global "Blue Zones," where people regularly live past 100. It’s no wonder, then, that this island has been crafting wine for millennia, with winemaking here dating back to 1200 B.C. So when you crack open a bottle of this Cannonau, you’re not just tasting a wine, you’re sipping a piece of living history.

Cantine Locci Zuddas, situated in the heart of Ussana, Southern Sardinia, is dedicated to producing wines that speak to the island’s rich terroir. With over 75 acres of limestone and clay soils, the vineyards here offer a unique balance of minerality and complexity. The winery itself blends cutting-edge technology with deep-rooted winemaking traditions, ensuring every bottle of 'Iscra Ruja' is crafted with the utmost precision and care. This is a modern facility with a traditional soul—equipped with pneumatic presses for gentle extraction, stainless steel fermentation tanks with temperature control to preserve the wine’s purity, and climate-controlled cellars to allow wines to age to perfection.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Cannonau grape. This is Sardinia’s pride and joy, and it’s known as Grenache elsewhere in the world. But here, Cannonau is special. Grown in the rich, sun-drenched hills of Medio Campidano, the grape thrives in the perfect climate, reaching its full potential by the time it’s hand-harvested at just the right moment in the second half of September. The resulting wine? Bold, balanced, and brimming with character.

The 'Iscra Ruja' is as full of flavor as the island itself. On the nose, expect a bouquet of ripe red fruit, delicate spices, and that signature Mediterranean herbal touch. The palate is warm, round, and well-structured, with a balanced complexity that speaks to its age-worthy potential. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of the land it comes from.

Whether you’re pairing it with rich, hearty dishes like roasted meats, pecorino cheese, or simply enjoying it on its own, the 'Iscra Ruja' is a wine that transports you straight to the heart of Sardinia. From the ancient vines to the modern winery, every sip tells a story of craftsmanship, passion, and the spirit of an island that’s been making wine for over two thousand years.

100% Cannonau. This true wine of the land wine dazzles with a vibrant ruby red color, enhanced by garnet hues. On the nose, it offers tobacco leaf, with inviting aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is warm and round, boasting a well-structured body and excellent balance, where the earthy and spicy notes carry through seamlessly. Ideal with well-seasoned first courses, roast suckling pig, lamb, or medium to long-aged Sardinian pecorino, it also pairs beautifully with rich meat soups.

~92 pts

~ 5StarWines 2021

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