Agricola Punica, Barrua, Sardinia, Italy 2017

“An elegant, medium-bodied red that integrates supple tannins with a lovely range of coulised blackberry and black currant fruit, wild sage, black licorice, milled black pepper and star anise flavors, and a subtle hint of fragrant, loamy earth. Fresh and lingering on the finish. Carignano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027.”-91WS

“Barrua” is the name of the vineyard parcel within the Sulcis Iglesente region in southwest Sardinia. Grapes are sourced from the Barrua and Narcao vineyards. The Sulcis region is dominated by Carignano, the blend’s predominant autochthonous grape that is known for its elegant and velvety tannins. Carignano has perfect terroir in the warm, well-exposed brown earth, composed of calcareous, clay and sandy soil. International varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also thrive in the area’s optimal conditions. Production per hectare is low (about 5,000 liters/ha). The final blend is a mix of these grapes balanced for the best results in the specific conditions of each harvest.

Barrua was first released in the 2002 vintage. The grapes are sourced from the Barrua and Narcao vineyards. Carignano, of Spanish origin and the blend’s predominant grape, has found its perfect terroir in the warm, well-exposed Sardinian terrain. Bush vines are closely planted here, designed to minimize yields and maximize the wine’s concentration.

Hand harvested whole bunches are destemmed, crushed and fermented on the skins for several days in stainless steel vats. The wine is oak aged before blending and bottle aging.