2023 Vitivinicolo Antichi Poderi Jerzu, Cannonau Novello, IGT Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy.
Sardinian Nouveau, or new wine, is called Novello (di Sardegna) and made from 100% Cannonau (Grenache) that it is quickly macerated and fermented in vat and bottled, similar to how Beaujolais Nouveau is done, though this one, while juicy and fruit forward, has taut structure and a bit more serious and savory in style. Bright and spicy in the background the, the garnet and ruby hued Antichi Poderi Jerzu Novello IGT Ogliastra, that comes from high elevation vines, shows earthy dark berry and plummy fruit with hints of pepper, dried herbs, orange rind, mineral and a touch of jolly rancher candy.
The Antichi Poderi Jerzu is a co-operative winery, specializing in Cannonau di Sardegna (Grenache) with more than 400 small growers, located in the small village of Jerzu, in the historical Ogliastra region, which is on the eastern coast of Island. Jerzu is a remote town, known for its adherence to very old tradition and has lots of citizens over 100 years old. This wine was macerated and fermented with carbonic techniques and vat raised for about a month or so before bottling, but still shows really good varietal character, structure and nice complexity for this Nouveau or Novello wine. Thanks to my winemaker friend from Sardinia, Giussepi Cossu, who does his Impromptu wines in Sardinia, for bringing this fun wine to share with me.
($15-20 Est.) 87 Points, grapelive