Carignano del Sulcis Riserva 'Bellesa' Piede Franco 2021

The Carignano del Sulcis Riserva 'Bellesa' represents anauthentic and profoundexpression of the wine district of the island of Sant'Antioco, made by winemaker Roberto Matzeu from old vines grown on free-range. In fact, a distinctive trait of the island of Sant'Antioco is the widespread presence of vines raised on "piede franco," that is, on their own roots, without recourse to the grafting technique, a practice that became the practice in the wine world following the phylloxera crisis of the 1800s. The appellation of this wine, the winery's flagship label, then derives from the Sardinian word of the same name "bellesa," meaning "beauty," an abstract concept that well represents the beauty of the Sulcis grape variety, territory, tradition and people.

'Bellesa' Piede Franco Carignano del Sulcis Riserva is a 100% Carignano from vines over 80 years old that are trained using the Latin sapling system. The vines then benefit from the sandy soil matrix and the constant presence of sea winds. The bunches, harvested strictly by hand, are vinified in red by alcoholic fermentation and maceration on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for a period of 15 days. This is followed by complete malolactic fermentation, again in steel, and then aging for 12 months in French oak barrels. After an additional year of aging in glass, the wine is finally ready for market release.

Piede Franco's Carignano del Sulcis 'Bellesa' Riserva has a bright ruby red color. The aromas range from notes of Mediterranean scrub and berries to more complex hints of juniper and licorice. The taste is soft and enveloping, with silky tannins and well-balanced freshness defining the intense and persistent development.