Barrile 2016: The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dark berries, black cherries, plums, and liquorice. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. The aftertaste is slightly bitter and doesn’t last long.
Barrile is made by Contini under the Isola dei Nuraghi IGT. It is a blend of (mainly) Nieddera, with Caddiu and other native varieties.
Nieddera is a very dark, black grape variety that produces wines of intense colour, great body, and structure. It has uncertain origins. As it is often the case with unique grape varieties, Nieddera was threatened with extinction till it was successfully reactivated by a big wine producer. In this case, Contini.
Contini is one of the main wine producers of Sardinia. I visited the winery in Cabras-Oristano in November, while exploring the island with my son and wife. The visit at Contini has been one of the most enjoyable I ever did (and I did many), thanks mainly to the very nice and competent tour guide.
According to the island’s tradition, a cask (barrile) was a small barrel which held the finest wine produced by a bride’s family, which they saved especially for her wedding day. Hence the name of the wine.
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT is the main IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) title used on the Italian island of Sardinia. It covers the entire Sardegna administrative region.
I bought this bottle at the winery. I don’t remember how much I paid. On the Internet it sells in the 30-35 EUR range.
Country: Italy
Region: Sardinia
Grapes: Nieddera, Caddiu
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Contini
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5