Discover Cannonau in Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia’s Cannonau wine offers a unique taste of the Mediterranean island’s rich viticultural heritage. This robust red wine, known as Grenache in other regions, thrives in Sardinia’s sunny climate and rugged terrain.
Towns and Villages
The Nuoro province in central-eastern Sardinia is the heart of Cannonau production. Visit the charming village of Mamoiada, known for its traditional mask-making and excellent Cannonau wines.
Jerzu, perched on a hillside, offers stunning views and a dedication to Cannonau cultivation. Don’t miss the annual Sagra del Vino wine festival held here in August.
Wine Producers
- Cantina Sociale di Dorgali: A cooperative winery producing high-quality Cannonau since 1953.
- Argiolas: Family-owned estate known for their premium Turriga Cannonau blend.
- Sella & Mosca: Large, historic winery offering tours and tastings of their Cannonau wines.
Accommodations
Su Gologone in Oliena offers a luxurious stay amidst vineyards with wine tastings and cooking classes. For a more rustic experience, try an agriturismo like Cantine Atha Ruja in Dorgali, where you can stay on a working vineyard.
Dining
Enjoy traditional Sardinian cuisine paired with local Cannonau at Ristorante Barbagia in Nuoro. In Oliena, Ristorante Guthiddai offers panoramic views and a menu showcasing regional specialties.
For a unique experience, book a shepherds’ lunch in the countryside, where you can taste Cannonau with rustic local dishes.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Sardinia’s wine culture at these local establishments:
- Enoteca Pinchiorri in Nuoro: Wide selection of Cannonau and other Sardinian wines
- Vineria Favini in Jerzu: Cozy wine bar featuring local producers
- La Cantina del Canonau in Oliena: Specializes in Cannonau wines from small producers
Many bars offer wine by the glass, allowing you to sample different Cannonau styles.
Other Shops
Pick up local specialties to complement your wine experience:
- Bottega Artigiana in Mamoiada: Traditional masks and handicrafts
- Casula Formaggi in Dorgali: Artisanal cheeses perfect for pairing with Cannonau
- Panificio Velox in Nuoro: Fresh carasau bread, a Sardinian staple
Attractions
Beyond wine, explore Sardinia’s rich culture and history:
- Museo delle Maschere Mediterranee in Mamoiada: Learn about traditional mask-making
- Nuraghe Mannu near Dorgali: Ancient stone fortress with panoramic views
- Grotta di Ispinigoli in Dorgali: Impressive limestone cave system
Many wineries offer tours combining wine tasting with cultural experiences.
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-focused events:
- Sagra del Vino in Jerzu (August): Annual wine festival celebrating Cannonau
- Autunno in Barbagia (September-December): rotating festival showcasing local wine and food
- Calici di Stelle (August 10th): Wine tasting events across Sardinia on the night of San Lorenzo
Appellations
Understanding Sardinia’s wine appellations enhances your tasting experience:
- Cannonau di Sardegna DOC: Covers the entire island, with subzones like Oliena and Jerzu
- Mandrolisai DOC: Blend including Cannonau, Bovale Sardo, and Monica grapes
- Carignano del Sulcis DOC: While focused on Carignano, often includes Cannonau
Look for these designations on wine labels to identify authentic Sardinian wines.
Grape Varieties
Cannonau is the star grape variety in Sardinia, Italy. It’s believed to be genetically identical to Grenache.
Other important red varieties include:
- Carignano
- Monica
- Bovale Sardo
White grape varieties grown in Sardinia include:
- Vermentino
- Nuragus
- Malvasia
Main Wine Styles
Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is the most famous wine from the region. It’s typically full-bodied with flavors of ripe red fruits and herbs.
Other notable styles include:
- Vermentino di Gallura DOCG: crisp, aromatic white wine
- Carignano del Sulcis DOC: robust red wine
- Vernaccia di Oristano DOC: unique oxidized white wine
Food Specialties
Pecorino Sardo, a sheep’s milk cheese, pairs wonderfully with Cannonau wines. Other local specialties include:
- Pane carasau: thin, crispy flatbread
- Culurgiones: pasta dumplings filled with potato and pecorino
- Porceddu: spit-roasted suckling pig
- Bottarga: cured fish roe
Drives & Walks
The Cannonau Wine Route offers a scenic drive through eastern Sardinia’s wine country. It starts in Jerzu and ends in Oliena.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Gennargentu National Park provides beautiful trails with views of vineyards and mountains.
Itineraries
3-Day Cannonau Wine Tour
Day 1: Start in Oliena, visit Cantina Sociale Oliena for wine tasting. Explore the charming town center.
Day 2: Drive to Dorgali, tour Cantina Sociale Dorgali. Afternoon visit to nearby Cala Gonone beach.
Day 3: Head to Jerzu, visit Antichi Poderi winery. End your trip with a traditional Sardinian dinner in Jerzu.
Getting There & Around
Sardinia’s main airports are Cagliari-Elmas, Olbia, and Alghero. Rent a car for easy access to wineries and rural areas.
Public buses connect major towns, but schedules can be limited. Consider joining organized wine tours for convenience and local expertise.
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October offer ideal weather for wine touring. These months provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Harvest season (September-October) is particularly exciting for wine enthusiasts, with many wineries hosting special events.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Sardinian wineries are embracing organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like “biologico” (organic) on wine labels.
Cantina Sociale Dorgali and Sella & Mosca are leading examples of sustainable viticulture in the region.
Language Tips
Learn these wine-related phrases in Italian:
- “Vino rosso/bianco” – Red/white wine
- “Salute!” – Cheers!
- “Cantina” – Winery
- “Degustazione” – Wine tasting
Further Resources
Explore these websites for more information:
- Sardinia Tourism Official Website
- Vini di Sardegna – Sardinian Wines Association
- Italian Wine Central – Sardinia
