Montessu Agricola Punica 2022

Montessu, AgriPunica, IGT Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardinia, Italy, 2022

Grapes: A blend of 60% Carignano, with the remainder equal parts Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, hand harvested, aged 12 months in French oak barrels

Producer Tasting Note:

A deep violet colour, the wine shows aromas of red fruits and Mediterranean aromatic herbs. In the mouth, the wine has full-bodied black fruit flavours, with soft, saline notes along with elegant traces of caper, rosemary and black pepper, enhancing a long silky finish.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Intense and rich nose of plums, blackcurrants, spices and dried herbs. Full-bodied, structured and dense, with juicy acidity and velvety tannins. Nicely filled with dark fruit. Drink or hold."

92/100 points, James Suckling, May 2024

"An elegant red wine with fine spice and graphite notes that play around the fruit of sour cherries and black raspberries. Light to medium body, with fine, creamy tannins and good length on the herb-accentuated finish"

90/100 points, WINE SPECTATOR, December 2024

"The 2022 Isola dei Nuraghi Montessu is haunting dark with a slowly evolving bouquet of cedar, sage, incense and dried black cherry flavours. Its character is surprisingly juicy yet silky, with a depth of ripe red berry fruit complemented by hints of autumnal spice and citrus. A hint of graphite minerality gives it lovely depth, while it finishes powerful and with gentle tannins."

93/100 points, Eric Guido, VINOUS, April 2025

AgriPunica is a joint venture between Sardinian co-operative Cantina di Santadi and Tenuta San Guido, the maker of one of Italy's most famous wines, Sassacaia. Set up in 2002, the company puchased two estates in the Basso Sulcis area, located in the south of the island.

Food Match: A wine that cries out for rich, meat dishes such as lamb or pork stew, spicy pasta and medium seasoned cheeses.