2020 Agricola Punica 'Montessu' Isola dei Nuraghi Sardinia

Winemaker Notes: A deep violet color, the wine presents aromas of red fruits and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with black fruit flavors and soft, saline notes along with elegant traces of capers, rosemary, and black pepper. The finish is long and silky.

Montessu comes from Sulcis Iglesiente, a region within southwest Sardinia whose brown earth has sandy soil that is a mixture of clay and limestone. This combines with warm, well-exposed terrain to form ideal conditions to produce great red wines. The blend’s predominant grape is Carignano, an indigenous variety that gives Montessu its soft and elegant tannins. Exceptional vine growing conditions are also ideal for the international varieties Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Low base production per hectare (about 6,000 liters/ha) and the climate conditions favor optimal phenolic maturation. Hand harvested grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation. Each variety is vinified separately, and the wine is transferred to French oak barriques. The wine ages for about 12 months in barrel then rests for about 45 days in cement tanks and 3 months in bottle. The final composition varies each year based on the specific conditions of each harvest. Carignano (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Merlot (10%), Syrah (10%)  

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


James Suckling - "A flavorful nose of cherries, currants, some plums, dried thyme and undergrowth. Medium body with fine tannins. Velvety and layered with a caressing texture. Well-balanced with a focused finish and excellent length. Drink or hold. "


Vinous - "The 2020 Montessu is a total pleasure. Sweet violets, lavender and cloves accentuate a burst of black raspberries on the nose. This is silky and suave, with masses of ripe red and black fruits that flow across a core of brisk acidity. The 2020 maintains fabulous balance while finishing long and potent yet fresh with a hint of steeped plums that don’t quit. What a beauty. "


Wine Spectator - "A medium- to full-bodied red, with hints of sweet smoke and fig cake underscoring flavors of blackberry coulis and black plum reduction, dried thyme and tea leaf, singed orange peel and ground anise. Balanced and lightly juicy throughout, with fine tannins firming the finish. Carignan, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot."