2019 Cantina Fradiles, Istentu, IGT Rosso, Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardinia, Italy.
The dark garnet hued Fradiles Istentu Rosso, a blend of native varietals Cannonau (Grenache), Bovale Sardo (Muristellu) and Monica, is an intriguing and tasty red wine that shows off Sardinia’s raw seductive appeal and terroir in a full bodied effort that is evolving nicely. The palate delivers deep dark berry, plum, black cherry and currant fruits, along with hints of leather, dried flowers, minty herbal sage, balsamic notes, bay leaf, a touch of cedar, anise and flinty stones. This wines comes from mature vineyards, set on sandy granite based soils, that are located in the municipal territory of Atzara, a hilly area rising up to 500 Meters above sea level, west of the Gennargentu mountains. The grapes are all de-stemmed and, as the winery notes, fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with a skin maceration of about 15-18 days, with daily punch downs. After fermentation, the wine is pressed and racked to used barriques, with 1st and 2nd passage, where the Istentu matures 12 months in the wood and then in bottle for another 12 months. Every since I was first introduced to Fradiles, I’ve really been impressed with everything I’ve tried and recommend this winery to those that want to truly discover Sardinia’s wines.
The Fradiles winery on Sardinia, as mentioned here is a quality producer and offering an outstanding array of truly authentic wines, including this one made from the distinctive native or indigenous red grape Muristellu also known as Bovale Sardo (which is thought to be related to Graciano), which is very different from Bovale Grande (Carignan). Over the past few years I’ve tried quite a few of these Fradiles wines and all have been delightful and educational, they are also great insight on traditional Sardinian grapes and cuisine, which these wines really excel with, especially this one that wants a meaty dish, like lamb to bring out its full range of flavors. While Cannonau (Grenache) still is Sardinia’s most famous red, playing a role here, but wines like this show this island is no one trick pony and there’s always something new to discover here. My friend and Sardinian born sommelier/winemaker Giuseppe Cossu, Impromptu Wines, has provided me with some incredible information and insight on Sardinia, the place and the wines, and was kind enough to share this rare wine and the Fradiles with me. This Mediterranean influenced 2019 Istentu, typically about 40% Muristellu, 30% Cannonau and 30% Monica, was a perfect Winter night wine with pizza and its earthy nuances or rustic charms, subtle tannin and nice acidity were sublime with every bite, making for delicious alternative to some of my favorite Rhônes.
($26 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive