Agricola Punica Montessu 2022

Cellar for up to 3 years. Decanting time: 1 hour. A surprisingly good wine, considering its origins in Sardinia, making this vineyard one of the pioneers in changing many wine critics’ perception of the potential for cultivating renowned wine from Southern Italy. This wine carries an enticing international flair, with its use of the classic grapes from Bolgheri and Bordeaux. A rich, ruby red in color. Strong, aromatic nose filled with raspberry, cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry, gently delivering succulent hints of spice and leather. The flavor is consistent with the intense, fruity aromas, delivering an elegant wine with a full-bodied mouthfeel. Well-structured frame with a core of syrupy blackcurrant and black cherry. There is a lingering licorice finish with echoes of sandalwood and mocha. The Spanish Carignano is the blend’s leading grape, building the wine with tannins that are soft and elegant along with ensuring a high pH. The winery has utilized its sandy, brown soil comprised of clay and limestone to plant a variety of international grapes (Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) to be expertly balanced into the final blend each harvest. Presenting good acidity, this is a well-balanced, suave wine with fine, soft tannins that develop to become truly succulent and complex. Enjoyably long finish. The evolution of this serious wine, when decanted, is remarkable. Aged 15 months in French oak barriques. Pairs well with beef, lamb, Italian dishes, hard cheeses and winter stews.

Price: £15.11 from 8wines UK