Cannonau

The Cannonau grape, a cornerstone of Sardinian viticulture, holds a captivating history that intertwines with the island's rich cultural heritage. While its relationship to the Spanish Garnacha and French Grenache varieties has sparked considerable debate, Cannonau has firmly established itself as a native treasure of Sardinia.

Historically, it was believed that the Cannonau grape arrived in Sardinia from Spain around the 14th century, during the period of Aragonese rule. This theory aligned with the grape's close genetic similarities to Garnacha. However, recent research and archaeological findings have challenged this traditional narrative, suggesting that Cannonau may have originated in Sardinia, predating its presence in Spain. This has led to the current understanding that it is a native grape of Sardinia despite Cannonau sharing genetic similarities with Garnacha and Grenache. Similarities that highlight the grape's widespread presence in the Mediterranean region.

Cannonau is the most widely planted red grape variety in Sardinia, playing a pivotal role in the island's wine production, it thrives in Sardinia's warm, dry climate and diverse terroir, producing wines with distinctive characteristics.

The Cannonau di Sardegna DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) encompasses the entire island, showcasing the grape's versatility and can range from dry reds to sweet and fortified styles, offering a diverse range of flavors and aromas.

Sardinian Cannonau wines are often characterized by their deep color, full body, and rich flavors of red fruit, such as raspberries and cherries, with hints of spice. The Terroir of the different areas of Sardinia, greatly influences the end product of the wine where the unique climate and soils of Sardinia contribute to the grape's distinctive character.