Description
Passo Sardo Cannonau di Sardegna DOC 2018
Passo Sardo is Enoitalia’s Sardinian project centred on native grapes, and its Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is a textbook expression of the island’s flagship red variety. The 2018 vintage comes in at around 13% ABV and shows deep ruby colour, ripe red and black fruits, raspberry jam, plum and myrtle berries on the nose, with a smooth, medium‑to‑full‑bodied palate, balanced acidity, soft tannins and a long, fruity‑spicy finish.
Vinification & Style
Passo Sardo Cannonau di Sardegna is produced in Italy, Sardinia, within the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC from 100% Cannonau, the Sardinian branch of Grenache and the island’s most widely planted red grape. The grapes are drawn from several Sardinian sites under a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, sea influence and marked diurnal shifts; sandy and stony soils help to deliver ripe yet fresh fruit with subtle spice, giving a warm, fruit‑driven Mediterranean red with floral, herbal and vanilla nuances. Fermentation takes place in temperature‑controlled stainless steel to preserve bright aromatics, followed by maturation in steel and partly in oak to round the tannins and add gentle vanilla and spice while keeping the fruit at the core, with the 2018 vintage sitting at about 13% ABV.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Intense ruby with garnet or purple tints at the rim.
Nose: Ripe raspberries, raspberry jam, redcurrants and black plum, together with myrtle berries, black cherry, black pepper, vanilla and dried herbs, plus a hint of Mediterranean scrub.
Palate: Medium‑to‑full body with a smooth, rounded attack dominated by ripe plum, berry compote and blackberry, supported by moderate acidity and fine, ripe tannins for easy, balanced drinking. The mid‑palate reveals light spice (black pepper, cinnamon), dried herbs and touches of vanilla or liquorice, adding interest without heaviness.
Finish: Medium‑long, with persistent red and black fruits, spice and typical myrtle‑berry notes, and a gentle, warming alcohol feel.
Serving & Pairing
Decanting: Open about 30 minutes before serving.
Serving temperature: 16–18°C.
Food pairing (HK‑friendly)
- Mains: Black‑pepper beef, teriyaki chicken steak, braised beef, grilled lamb chops, soy‑sauce pork chops, baked pork‑chop rice.
- Pasta / rice: Bolognese pasta, lasagne, meatball pasta, baked macaroni, herb‑roast chicken with potatoes.
- Snacks & cheese: Salami, prosciutto, meat‑topped pizza, mature Cheddar, Gouda, Pecorino.
Special Info: The Passo Sardo range focuses on Sardinia’s native Cannonau and Vermentino in a modern, approachable style — ripe, soft and food‑friendly — with myrtle‑berry aromatics as a signature of the island’s macchia landscape; Cannonau is often cited in discussions of Sardinia’s “blue zone” longevity culture as part of the traditional local diet.
Origin: Italy, Sardinia, Cannonau di Sardegna DOC
Type: Red Wine
Grape: 100% Cannonau
ABV: 13%
Volume: 750ml
