2021 Agricola Punica Samas

Agricola Punica (better known as Agripunica) is the new top domain which was created in 2002 through a collaboration of various wine talents with a lot of experience. The personalities who have put their shoulders to this project are certainly not the least: Dr. Sebastiano Rosa (the winemaker of Tenuta San Guido and its cult wine Sassicaia), Tenuta San Guido itself, the Sardinian top domain Cantina di Santadi and its director Antonello Pilloni, and finally the legendary winemaker Giacomo Tachis. The idea came from the latter who was very inspired by the quality and possibilities of the carignano grape (carignan) from the Italian island of Sardinia. As a former winemaker of Sassicaia and an expert in working with cabernet and merlot, he was very interested in experimenting with 'his' Bordelaise grapes on the island. Agripunica was founded in 2002 and purchased vineyards from the wine estates of Barrua and Narcao and is now widely seen as one of Italy's emerging rising starts. We can all see what has happened with Tenuta San Guido and especially with the prices so advice is definitely to keep a close eye on Agri Punica while the prices are still in balance.

The Samas vineyards in Sardinia are located in the Isola dei Nuraghi region. The Samas is mainly made of vermentino (80%), supplemented with chardonnay. They grow on a sandy soil, rich in lime and volcanic material and are picked in the very early morning at ideal ripeness. In this way, the natural freshness and characteristics are preserved to the maximum. After arrival, they first undergo a cold soak to extract aroma substances, followed by a soft pressing. The vermentino and chardonnay are vinified separately and raised on the fine yeast traces for a period of forty days. After this, the assembly takes place and the wine matures for another three months in concrete vats. The wine is not clarified and bottled unfiltered to preserve the full character. In the nose we discover fresh apples, citrus, something of tropical fruit, blossom and minerals. The taste offers a pleasant fat, return of white and yellow fruit, something salty, elegant acidity and ends in a long, soft finale. A wonderfully fresh and elegant wine which is a good accompaniment to various fish dishes, sushi, summer salads and young cheeses.