Italy - Sardinia

Cantina di Santadi - SANTARDI

The Cantina di Santadi Winery is located in the Sulcis area, in South-western Sardinia, just a few miles as the crow flies from the dazzling beaches and white sand dunes of Porto Pino. It was established in 1960, and after some start-up difficulties, a new management gave it a decisive boost, driven by strong determination which fanned enthusiasm and passion. Thus the Winery embarked on an ambitious programme, adopting new strategies and clear targets, streamlining its operations and issuing coherent guidelines to its member grape growers. The foremost aim was to stake operations on quality bottled wines, using white grapes with a distinguished tradition in Sardinia, such as vermentino. Winemaking technique and wine selection were also perfected, by securing the consultancy of international wine expert Giacomo Tachis, whose arrival at the winery was a major turning point. Ancient winemaking tradition coupled with the use of state-of-the-art technology in the sectors of vinification, stabilization and bottling coupled with innovative spirit and careful respect for local traditions is the guiding principle for our grape growers and winemakers. Their constant commitment is directed both at honouring our winery, and at safeguarding a true heritage of tradition, culture, taste, style and history which are the vital essence of our agricultural reality.

click here to view the wines from this producer

..................................................................................................................................................................

Carignano del Sulcis, Grotta Rossa, 2005 - Cantina Sociale Santadi, Santadi

Produced from 100% Carignano, grown in the South-West of Sardinia, this wine has acquired a tremendous reputation and a very loyal following. The style of this gluggable, 'rustic' and very generous gem is in total contrast to the more compact style of Northern Italian reds. This wine is allowed to mature in resin coated vats, which precludes any micro-oxygenation or other fleetingly trendy vinicultural techniques, so beloved of Michel Rolland!

This is a superb wine which offers a delicate violet and citrus peel scent, followed by complex, deep and delicious 'tarry' blackcurrant fruit with an underlying richness of dried fig and a 'smokey' or roasted character. The powerful fruit and fine grained, ripe tannins combine to produce a wine that really delivers in the glass.

SALAMI/CHILLI CON CARNE DIABALO/MANCHEGO

Carignano del Sulcis, Rocca Rubbia, 1999 - Cantina Sociale Santadi, Santadi

From the very warm Sulcis Peninsula on the Italian island of Sardinia, this is made from 100% Carignano (Carignan), a grape variety imported during the islands occupation by the Dukes of Aragon (not Aragorn, you Tolien fans!) from Northern Spain. Carignan has acquired a bad reputation (Jancis Robinson famously detests it) and was primarily famous for its overproduction in the Languedoc and subsequent contribution to the European wine lake. However, when pruned rigourously and made by top class vignerons who allow it to fully ripen, it can produce serious, opulent wines with great fragrance.

Rocca Rubia is one of Santadi’s barrique-aged 'cru' versions a real star and terrific value. It is dense and opulent in the mouth with a lush character and masses of full-bodied yet elegant fruit. Primary flavours of cocoa, blackcurrant and plums are complemented by hints of lquorice and a layer of soft, warm vanilla form the oak maturation.

LAMB SHANK/LAMB TAJINE/CURRIED BEEF WITH ONIONS AND GREEN PEPPERS