Nuragus di Cagliari DOC BIO 2023

Nuragus di Cagliari DOC BIO 2023 / Antonella Corda / Sardinia

White wine from Italy

The young winemaker Antonella Corda from Serdiana, north of Cagliari in Sardinia, is considered a rising star in the Italian wine scene. With her Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, she has received the coveted 3 Glasses award from Gambero Rosso twice in a row. The story of Cantina Antonella Corda is closely tied to its founder. Growing up amidst the vineyards, shaped by a family of winemakers and inspired by her mother and father, Antonella took over the family business in 2010. She transformed it into an innovative boutique winery that produces exquisite Sardinian wines and represents the Serdiana region on the global stage.

The white grape variety Nuragus is an autochthonous variety of the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea. The name is derived from the famous Nuraghe - early historical towers of the Bonnanaro culture [2,200 - 1,600 BC] - on the island. It is very likely that this grape variety was brought to the island of Sardinia by the Phoenicians.

The vines for the Nuragus di Cagliari DOC thrive in the village of Campidano near the island's capital, Cagliari. This is where the wine naturally gets its first touch. The soils in this area consist of sand, loam, and clay with pebbles, which is important for the balance and character of the wine. The manual harvest of the grapes takes place at the beginning of October. Cold maceration then begins in the wine cellar, followed by fermentation at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. Maturation on the fine lees also takes place in stainless steel containers and takes at least six months.

The production of Nuragus di Cagliari DOC BIO follows specific guidelines that pertain to both viticulture and the vinification process, ensuring environmental protection, promoting biodiversity, and safeguarding consumer health. In viticulture, no synthetic chemicals are used. Instead, natural fertilizers like compost and manure are employed. Cover crops and mulching maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion, while plants like clover and beans enrich the soil with nitrogen. Natural pest control methods, such as beneficial insects and birdhouses, are used, and natural substances like copper and sulfur are applied against fungal diseases when necessary. Many vineyard tasks, including harvesting, are done by hand to ensure careful selection of the grapes and to protect the vines. Hedges, wildflower meadows, and trees in the vineyard enhance biodiversity.

During winemaking, the grapes are handpicked to select the best and ripest fruit. Fermentation often uses natural yeasts to enhance the authenticity and expression of the terroir. Mechanical processes are conducted as gently as possible to preserve the wine's quality. Synthetic additives are avoided, and only minimal amounts of sulfur dioxide are used to ensure shelf life. The wine is often aged in un-toasted or lightly toasted oak barrels to preserve its natural flavor. Strict hygiene practices during bottling and storage minimize the need for chemical stabilizers. To be certified organic, the wine must be inspected and certified by a recognized certification body.

This Nuragus by Antonella Corda masterfully embodies the two souls of Sardinia – the land and the sea. The straw-yellow color of the wine evokes the Sardinian sky at sunset, inviting one to dream. Its aromatic complexity reflects the island's rich landscape: autumn fruits like pear and apple dominate the bouquet, accompanied by a subtle hint of sea salt, reminiscent of the nearby coasts. The delicate aroma reveals clear notes of apple and pear that blend harmoniously. On the palate, this dry white wine is juicy, mineral, fresh, and well-balanced. The well-integrated acidity adds to its lively and refreshing character. Every nuance of this wine tells a story of Sardinia, from its fertile soils to the salty breezes of the Mediterranean.

Served at a temperature of around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, this Sardinian wine is an excellent aperitif. Thanks to its freshness and lightness, Nuragus di Cagliari DOC BIO prepares the palate perfectly for a meal. A selection of antipasti like grilled vegetables, olives, artichoke hearts, and bruschetta finds an ideal companion in Nuragus. Fresh salads, especially those with seafood, citrus dressing, or light vinaigrettes, pair perfectly with this wine. Pasta with light sauces based on olive oil, lemon, or fresh herbs complements the lightness of Nuragus wonderfully. A seafood or vegetable risotto benefits from the wine's fresh acidity, balancing the dish perfectly. The light and fresh character of Nuragus also pairs excellently with grilled fish such as sea bream, sea bass, or sardines. Shellfish, prawns, squid, and other seafood, whether in a light pasta, risotto, or grilled, also go well with this wine. A clear or tomato-based fish soup, like the Italian "Zuppa di Pesce," is beautifully complemented by the freshness of Nuragus. Grilled or steamed vegetables, vegetable casseroles, and dishes with mild sauces are ideal partners for this Nuragus by Antonella Corda. Vegetable-filled quiches and tarts, such as spinach or tomato quiche, also pair well with this wine. Soft, mild cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, feta, or burrata harmonize wonderfully with Nuragus. Lightly aged goat cheese is also an excellent match, especially when served with honey or fresh herbs.

General properties

• Vintage: 2023
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sardinia
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Azienda Agricola Antonella Corda - Loc. Pranu Raimondo - Strada Statale 466 km 6,800 - 09040 Serdiana (CA) – Sardegna - Italia - +39 0707966300
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grape: 100% Nuragus
• Winemaking: The vines of this rare grape are grown on calcareous marl soils. Then the cold maceration with subsequent fermentation at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. The aging takes place for 6 months in stainless steel on the fine lees.
  
• Sensory characteristics: Fine scent of fresh apples and pears. Dry, mineral, fresh and balanced on the palate. Well integrated acid.
• Colour: Straw yellow.
• Alcohol content: 13,0% Vol.
• Acidity: 5,1 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• How to serve: This Nuragus from Sardinia is a versatile wine that goes particularly well with light, fresh and Mediterranean dishes. Its freshness and pleasant acidity make it an excellent companion for fish and seafood, light starters, salads, mild cheeses and vegetarian dishes. Whether as an aperitif or with the main course, the Nuragus is an excellent choice for a variety of culinary experiences.
  
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 8 and 10°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• Warnhinweis: Der Konsum von alkoholhaltigen Getränken während der Schwangerschaft kann selbst in geringen Mengen schwere Konsequenzen für die Gesundheit des Kindes nach sich ziehen.
• Organic Control Station: IT-BIO-009
• EAN (bottle): 8053853690012
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

NURAGUS

The Nuragus is a white grape variety primarily cultivated in Sardinia, believed to have existed there since ancient times. The Phoenicians, who established trading colonies on the island in the 9th century BC, might have introduced the grape or promoted its cultivation. In the 19th century, the Nuragus grape was recognised as one of Sardinia's traditional and significant varieties. After World War II, Sardinian winemaking experienced a renaissance, with efforts made to improve wine quality and promote traditional grape varieties like Nuragus. The introduction of modern viticultural techniques helped enhance the character and quality of Nuragus wines. In 1975, "Nuragus di Cagliari" was awarded DOC status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), ensuring the quality and origin of the wines and boosting their market reputation. The leaves of the Nuragus vine are medium-sized, rounded, and typically five-lobed, with a smooth upper surface and slightly hairy underside. The shoots are robust and become woody as they grow. Its late blooming makes the vine less susceptible to spring frosts, an advantage in Sardinia's Mediterranean climate. The grapes are large, compact, cylindrical, and often feature one or two smaller "wings." The berries are medium-sized, round to slightly oval, with a thick, golden-yellow skin that turns slightly brown when fully ripe and is resistant to pests and diseases. Nuragus is exceptionally well-adapted to Sardinia's Mediterranean climate, tolerating high temperatures and dry conditions well. Wines made from this grape variety are fresh, light, and dry, with pleasant acidity, a medium to light body, and typically a mineral finish, making them a refreshing choice for drinking.

Protection of minors: We deliver this article only to adults of unlimited legal capacity and reserve the right to demand appropriate proof of age. The data required for the order, such as name, address, etc., must be provided in full and truthfully.

Bulk discount:

• 3 x Nuragus di Cagliari DOC BIO 2023
• 6 x Nuragus di Cagliari DOC BIO 2023