Cagnulari
Siddura wine estate is situated right in the heart of the Gallura, near the medieval town of Luogosanto. Here the art of winemaking is as old as the ancient people who first inhabited the lands of Sardinia. Founded in 2008, by German industrialist and Massimo Ruggero. Siddura’s philosophy boasts ‘Sardinia in purity’, resulting in some of the island’s most celebrated wines. Although highly decorated for their Vermentino wines produced from the regions distinct granite, sand and clay terrior, Siddura also produces some stunning reds most notably from the native Cagnulari grape variety.
Although widely used in blending, Cagnulari is relatively unknown even to many Sardinians, and in recent years its value has been re-evaluated, producing one of the island’s most delicious specialities. Although we assume a common Spanish Origin, (Graciano, Bovale) due to a lack of DNA analysis, Cagnulari certainly evolved from the original clone after arriving in Sardinia into the native varietal responsible for the some of the finest, unique wines Sardinia offers.
The Cagnulari grape is cultivated predominantly in the province of Sassari, accounting for 13% of areas planted with vines. Siddura’s finest hand harvested Cagnulari crop is harvested from the town of Usini, where the varietal thrives in the loose limestone and clay soils and abundant sunshine of the region. Siddùra strives to produce wines that reflect the terrioir from which they came, and this is never more true of their award winning Bàcco, named as a tribute to Bacchus, the Roman deity of wine.
Cagnulari consists of compact, winged clusters, pyramidal in shape with very small berries. The grapes are firm with sweet pink juice. It is a very delicate grape with extremely thin skin susceptible to berry-split after unseasonal rains. It produces beautiful full-bodied red wines, and although there is no DOC dedicated to wines made from Cagnulari, the strongest associations are with Usini where Siddùra grow their grapes. The fruit profile ranges from red berries to spiced plumbs and black pepper notes. Wines made from this grape are blessed with ample tannins, which support years of aging within Siddura’s cellar, in the very best French oak barrels. Food matches for Cagnulari include Agnello al sugo (lamb with tomato, basil and pepper sauce), roasted game birds and mature pecorino cheese.
The wines
Bàcco – This wine is made from 100% Cagnulari grapes. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, whilst maturation occurs in stainless steel tanks and 10hl oak barrels. Blessed with ample tannins this wine has the aging potential of up to 8 years. A beautiful ruby-red colour, this smooth and complex Cagnulari wine is very well balanced with a refreshing and never intrusive herbaceous component, blending perfectly with the fruity and floral sensations. The minerality and flavour of the wine is linked to the chalky texture of Siddùra’s Usini vineyards and to the short distance from the sea. It has a complex nose with delicate notes of cherry and raspberry, which is flanked by aromas of herbs and minerals due to aging. This is definitely once of Sardinia’s best kept secrets.
Awards
· International Wine Challenge 2018 - Commended
· Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 - Bronze
· International Wine Challenge 2017 - Silver
· International Wine and Spirit Competition 2016 - Bronze
· Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 – Silver
Bèru - As previously mentioned the vineyards of Gallura are known globally for their Vermentino wines and Siddùra is synonymous with award-winning Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. The Bèru is 100% Vermentino grapes grown at 250m above sea level producing the world-class Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Superiore. These hand picked grapes are grown and harvested locally and alcoholic fermentation occurs in barrels for 10 to 12 days. Maturation occurs in French oak barrels for nine months and this wine ages beautifully for up to 6 years. It has a beautiful golden yellow colour with an intense aroma of floral notes, thyme and honey. On the palate this is a clean crisp elegant wine with vanilla and acacia honey coming through. Great with seafood, fish stews, risotto and hard cheese.
Awards
· International Wine Challenge 2018 - Silver Medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2018 - Gold Medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2017 - Bronze Medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2016 - Bronze Medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2016 - Bronze Medal Winner
Maìa – The name of this wine is derived from the local Gallura dialect, meaning ‘Magic’ – and magic it is! This Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Superiore could be considered the estate’s flagship award winning wine. Grown locally in the rich granite soil the grapes are handpicked during the second half of September and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 13-15 C for 12-15 days. Maturation also takes place in stainless steel takes producing a wine with the aging potential of 2-4 years. This distinct Vermentino is straw yellow in colour with spicy notes on the nose. Mellow n buttery on the palate this wine is the perfect accompaniment for seafood and soft and mature cheeses.
Awards
· Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) - 88 Points
· Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points
· Decanter 91 Points
· Decanter World Wine Awards – Gold
· Tre Bichhiere 2018 – Gambero Rosso
· Challenge International Du Vin 2018 - Gold
· Frankfurt International Trophy 2018 - Gold
Èrema - This wine is a delicious blend of Cagnulari (15%) and Cannonau (85%). It is also the youngest out of the red wines that Siddûra produce. Both grape varietals are handpicked; the Cannonau from Monti and the Cagnulari from Usini. Vinification, fermentation and maturation occur in stainless steel tanks. It is bottled in April after the harvest but has a wonderful evolution in the bottle resulting in an aging potential of 6-8 years. Èrema has an intense ruby red colour and a nose of ripe cherry and the distinct vegetation of Sardinia. It is beautifully lively on the palate, due to the short time between being picked and bottled, yet warm and elegant.
Awards
· International Wine Challenge 2018 - Commended
· Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 - Commended
· International Wine Challenge 2017 - Bronze medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2016 - Commended
· Decanter World Wine Awards 2016 - Bronze Medal Winner
Fòla – Siddura’s vines of Monti receive the ultimate optimum growing conditions to produce a unique, stand-alone wine that defines why Sardinia is the home of Cannonau di Sardinia DOC. Matured in both stainless steel and French oak barrels this complex wine is of rich volume, balance and intensity. Intense ruby red with violet reflections this Cannonau has an incredible bouquet, with dark cherries exploding on the palate. Beautifully integrated tannins result in a long smooth finish with a hint o mint right at the end.
Awards
· International Wine Challenge 2018 - Silver Medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2017 - Bronze Medal Winner
· International Wine Challenge 2017 - Bronze Medal Winner
· Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 - Bronze Medal Winner
· Vinalies Internationales 2017 - Silver Medal Winner