The colour is deep ruby. On the nose pleasantly fruity, with aromas of blueberries, prunes, black cherries, blackberries. In the mouth medium body and fruity. The aftertaste is again fruity, but a bit short.
Terre Brune is produced by Cantina di Santadi under the Carignano del Sulcis DOC, which was introduced in Sardinia in June 1977.
At a latitude of 38 degrees north, Carignano del Sulcis DOC is one of the southernmost viticultural regions of Europe. The Riserva wines undergo two years of ageing, at least six months of which must be in bottle. To claim that it is Superiore, as in the case of Terre Brune, a wine must be made from grapes grown on vines trained in the traditional bush-vine style known as Alberello Latino.
Carignano del Sulcis DOC wines have to be made with at least 85% Carignano grapes. Terre Brune is made with 95% Carignano grapes. The remaining 5% is Bovale.
Cantina di Santadi was established in 1960, when a group of grape growers, coordinated by the Land Reform Board of Sardinia, joined forces to set up a cooperative winemaking and marketing business. Up to the 1980s, the winery confined its activity to producing and selling bulk wine, only making a few half-hearted attempts at bottling. Then the renowned Giacomo Tachis from Piedmont got involved. Under his supervision the quality of Santadi’s wines skyrocketed.
I bought this bottle at Manor for 42.90 CHF. From the same producer I enjoyed more Rocca Rubia (www.thelovedwine.com/rocca-rubia-riserva-2015), which sells for half of the price.
Country: Italy
Region: Sardini
Grapes: Carignan
Type: Red
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Cantina Santadi
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5