Agricola Punica’s Montessu IGT is a captivating blend hailing from Sardinia’s Basso Sulcis region, a terroir characterized by its medium-textured calcareous, clay, and sandy soils. This red wine is a harmonious blend of 60% Carignano, 10% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot. Each grape variety is vinified individually, undergoing fermentation with skins at temperatures between 25 and 30°C, followed by malolactic fermentation for added roundness. The wine is then aged in used French oak barrels for approximately 12 months. The result is a wine of deep ruby red color, with an intensely fruity aroma that finishes with a touch of liquorice. On the palate, Montessu is elegant, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, earning high praise and a 92/100 rating from James Suckling for both its 2019 and 2020 vintages.
Behind this “Sardinian Sassicaia” is the legendary winemaker Giacomo Tachis, the same mind that brought us the iconic Tuscan red, Sassicaia. The climate of the region, hot and dry in the summer and temperate in the winter, along with meticulous harvesting between late September and mid-October, contributes to the wine’s unique character. Montessu is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for future sipping, offering a velvety texture, fine tannins, and a focused finish that speaks to its excellent length. It’s a wine that promises an adventurous journey for the palate, whether you choose to drink it now or let it evolve in the cellar.
14% abv. Sardinia, Italy.