{"product_id":"agricola-punica-montessu-isola-dei-nuraghi","title":"Agricola Punica 'Montessu' Isola dei Nuraghi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rich, polished Sardinian red created by some of the most celebrated names in Italian wine.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMontessu brings together the untamed Mediterranean character of Sardinia with the refinement of a classic Bordeaux-inspired blend. It comes from Agricola Punica’s vineyards in the Lower Sulcis, in the sun drenched southwest of the island, where warm days, coastal breezes and clay, sand and limestone soils create beautifully ripe yet savoury wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgricola Punica was established in 2002 through a collaboration involving Cantina Santadi, its president Antonello Pilloni and legendary Italian oenologist Giacomo Tachis the influential winemaker behind several of Italy’s most celebrated modern wines. Convinced of Carignano’s potential in Sardinia, the team created Montessu to showcase the grape’s generous fruit, elegant tannins and distinctive Mediterranean personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wine takes its name from Montessu, an important archaeological site near the estate’s Narcao vineyards. Its Isola dei Nuraghi IGT classification refers to Sardinia’s ancient nuraghi the prehistoric stone structures found throughout the island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlend\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMontessu is led by 60% Carignano, supported by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Syrah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarignano gives the wine its Sardinian soul ripe fruit, savoury herbs, freshness and smooth tannins. The French varieties add structure, depth, spice and an elegant international finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinemaking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes are harvested by hand, with each variety fermented separately under controlled temperatures. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation for additional softness before maturing for approximately 12 months in medium-toast French oak barriques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt then rests in cement tanks before being bottled without filtration, followed by further bottle maturation before release. This careful process preserves the wine’s rich fruit while developing its velvety texture and savoury complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep ruby red in the glass, Montessu opens with generous aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and dark plum, layered with Mediterranean herbs, liquorice and black pepper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is full-bodied, smooth and beautifully balanced. Juicy black fruit is complemented by subtle saline minerality and distinctive notes of rosemary, capers and spice. The tannins are ripe and velvety, carrying the wine into a long, polished and flavourful finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowerful without feeling heavy, Montessu offers the richness expected from Sardinia with an impressive sense of freshness and refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz or rich Italian reds, Montessu offers something wonderfully different. It has the dark fruit and structure of an international blend, but its Carignano foundation brings unmistakable Sardinian character sun ripened fruit, wild Mediterranean herbs, savoury spice and a subtle coastal salinity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is an excellent value introduction to Agricola Punica and to the modern fine wines of Sardinia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alessa Vino","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52848354918720,"sku":null,"price":56.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0723\/5187\/5392\/files\/Montessu.png?v=1786419101","url":"https:\/\/alessavino.com.au\/products\/agricola-punica-montessu-isola-dei-nuraghi","provider":"Alessa Vino","version":"1.0","type":"link"}