Giovanni Montisci GIOVANNI MONTISCI BARROSU Cannonau di Sardegna 2023

Description

Giovanni Montisci Barrosu 2023 Cannonau di Sardegna has a sweetly scented bouquet of rose petals, wild strawberries and juniper. Giovanni Montisci Barrosu is a deep and powerful, yet exquisitely refined Cannonau, which definitely puts Mamoiada on the map for lovers of Cannonau and great Italian reds in general.

Cannonau (also known as Grenache) is grown throughout Sardinia, but the town of Mamoiada, in the heart of the island’s mountainous hinterland, could be considered one of its grand crus. Planted at dizzying altitudes on sandy granite soils, the vine finds here a grandiose expression that rivals the best Grenache of Châteauneuf or Priorat.

With just two hectares of vineyards and an artisanal approach to his craft, Giovanni Montisci has established himself as one of Mamoiada’s main ambassadors. Dissatisfied with his work as a mechanic, he turned all his attention to the cultivation of small vineyard plots inherited from his wife’s family, finally bottling his first wine of the 2004 vintage. Since then he has gained a following of admirers for his powerful Cannonau. and distinctive from old organically grown vines up to 650 meters above sea level. Cold nights here allow for slow and steady maturation, preserving precious acidity and favoring rich and complex wines scented with berries, flowers, Mediterranean herbs and spices – a truly compelling translation of this extreme terroir, which shines alongside rich local cuisine of the mountains of Sardinia.

Giovanni’s wines are the product of meticulous attention to detail, from the work in the ancient sapling vineyards, to the splendid Quintarelli-inspired labels that adorn each bottle. All its wines, including the dry pulpy Moscato and the deep and vinous rosé Cannonau, are spontaneously fermented, aged in neutral wood and bottled not clarified and unfiltered with a minimum of SO2. “Barrosu”, his flagship Cannonau, perfectly embodies the rugged beauty of these mountainous plateaus, while the “Franzisca” Reserve, with 85-year-old vines, shows a surprising finesse for such a powerful and structured red – proof that Sardinia is capable of exceptional wines.