2020 Cannonau Riserva

Located in the southeastern corner of Sardinia, the Pala winery currently oversees 110 hectares, primarily on rolling hills overlooking the Gulf of Cagliari, from 11 meters near the shore to 250 meters further inland. This includes four hectares of up to 128-year-old Bovale Sardo, all ungrafted vines growing in soils of pure white sand. The style here is one of vivid fruit but also complexity, focusing on letting the varietal and its terroir shine. Two years ago, I was wildly impressed with the Vermentino Stellato and white portfolio in general, and this year, I was equally impressed with the expanded range of reds from the 2019 and 2020 vintages. The varietal Bovale Sardo, Essentija, was of particular note. Bovale Sardo, or Graciano in Spain, is a low-yielding variety that excels in warm, arid climates. It’s a dark, spicy, high-acid red that, when married with Pala’s elegant and polished style, creates a seductive and complex wine that can age gracefully.