Carignano del Sulcis DOC wine
ecognised in 1977 as a wine with Controlled Designation of Origin, Carignano del Sulcis DOC is produced in Sardinia. The designation includes red and rosé wines made from the Carignano grape variety, grown in the south-western part of the island. Riconosciuto nel 1977 come vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata, il Carignano del Sulcis DOC è prodotto in Sardegna. La denominazione comprende vini rossi e rosati ottenuti dal vitigno Carignano, coltivato nella parte sud-occidentale dell'isola. Sulcis is the coastal area opposite the town of Sant'Antioco, founded by the Phoenicians and originally called Solki, from which the name of the region derives.
he Carignano del Sulcis DOC designation also includes the island of Sant'Antioco, connected to the mainland by a causeway and a bridge. A considerable number of vineyards are cultivated on the island, particularly in the north-eastern area between the towns of Sant'Antioco and Calasetta. Here, the northern end of the Gulf of Palmas separates the island from Sardinia, while the proximity of the sea ensures breezes that cool the island's southernmost vineyards. At a latitude of 38° north, Sulcis is one of Europe's southernmost wine-growing regions. Carignano del Sulcis DOC can be produced in one or more of the 17 municipalities specified in the regulations. The area covered by the designation extends across the territory of the former province of Cagliari, particularly around Teulada, although most of the grapes come from Sulcis itself.
vini della denominazione, rossi e rosati, sono disponibili anche nelle tipologie riserva, superiore, novello e passito. La superficie di coltivazione si estende su circa 1700 ettari ma, nonostante la limitata diffusione, il Carignano può ritenersi con certezza uno dei vini più importanti e prestigiosi dell ’enologia sarda. The wines of this appellation, both red and rosé, are also available in reserve, superior, novello and passito varieties. The cultivation area covers approximately 1,700 hectares but, despite its limited distribution, Carignano can certainly be considered one of the most important and prestigious wines in Sardinian oenology.
hat to expect when tasting it? It is one of the few ungrafted vines still cultivated using the traditional alberello method, and is probably the only one capable of withstanding the strong saltiness coming from the sea, the Mistral wind and low rainfall, thanks to the sandy soil in which it sinks its roots deeply. The difficulties it faces and the strong exposure to the sun enrich the grapes with unique aromas. The low yields per vine give the wine vigour and richness in extract and aromas. The perfect balance between the climate, the soil and this elegant grape variety produces a wine with an intense ruby colour tending towards garnet, with warm and enveloping aromas of plums and morello cherries, sweet spices and chocolate, liquorice and black pepper. On the palate, it is aristocratic and balanced with soft tannins of rare elegance. A red wine that satisfies the palate, full-bodied and broad but velvety at the same time. Serve at 18°C with rich meat dishes such as lasagne or pasta with meat sauce, but also roasts, braised meats, game or medium and long-aged cheeses. If you prefer a lighter wine, choose Carignano rosé: serve it chilled with fish-based first courses or white meat ragù, or try it with fresh tuna seared in a pan.
