Sella & Mosca Terre Rare Carignano del Sulcis 2022

Description

An ancient varietal from the Sardinian tradition, perhaps first planted here by the Phoenicians, carignano displays on the island’s many Mediterranean characteristics. Typical of the southernmost areas of the Sulcis, it comes from the coastal estate extending from Capo Teulada to the Iglesiente mountain range. Here the vines are goblet-trained, close to the ground, in the traditional manner, and yield generous, original fruit.

After fermenting on the skins, the wine is aged for an extended period, at least three years, first in small oak and then in the bottle. The color is a luminous ruby red with purple highlights when young, and the bouquet presents the nose with a variegated and impressively intense assortment of aromas that change in the glass, reminiscent of pomegranate, currants, wild blackberries and aromatic herbs, before giving way to softer, sweeter hints of fig and a final nuance of licorice. To the palate it is warm and generous, with a smooth structure and extremely fine tannins, polished and flavorful. The long finish is reminiscent of spices and ripe fruit.

“89/00. Crushed blackberries, sage & wet stone…flows across the palate with tart wild berry fruits guided by brisk acidity. Inner violet florals resonate as the 2022 finishes chewy & potent, with a black licorice flourish that lingers long.” (Eric Guido, Vinous, October 2023)