Region: Sulcis, Sardinia, Italy

Varietal: 100% Carignano (Carignan)

Tasting notes: Ruby red color with a perfumed nose with notes of wild Italian shrubs and fresh red fruit. On the palate it is fresh and savory, with fine, balanced tannins.

Producer: Argiolas is the foremost wine estate on the island of Sardinia producing archetypal wines from native varietals. Antonio Argiolas, who died in 2009 at the age of 102, inherited seven acres of vines from his father in 1938 and was the first on the island to convert to modern viticulture to pursue quality over quantity. His sons, Franco and Giuseppe, replanted the vineyards in the 1980s with the goal of reducing yields and focusing exclusively on Sardinian grapes. Joined by enologist Mariano Murru, the Argiolas family is today recognized as Sardinia’s leading wine producer.

Vineyard and Winemaking: The vineyard is very close to the sea side, in the south of Sardinia. Soils in the vineyard are a combination of sand and clay. There is no irrigation, but humidity from the sea keeps the vineyard hydrated. The strong sea breeze keeps the air circulating throughout the grapes.