'Nieddera' Contini 2023

The 'Nieddera' Rosé from the historic Sardinian winery Contini is a rosé wine with a savory and fruity taste, the result of a blend of Nieddera and other red grape varieties from the area. Nieddera is one of the countless indigenous varieties of Sardinia, particularly widespread in the Oristano area, where the Contini family operates. It is an ancient grape variety with origins that are sometimes mysterious; some believe it is related to Carignano, while other theories place its arrival in Sardinia during the Phoenician era, around the distant 8th-7th century BC. What is certain is that its name derives from the particularly dark color of the berries, as in the Sardinian language "nièddu" means "black".

The 'Nieddera' Contini Rosé is made from a blend of Nieddera and other black grape varieties from the Tirso River Valley, located within the Sinis Peninsula. Here, the plants benefit from the warm and windy Mediterranean climate, as well as the sandy and slightly clayey soil matrix. After the harvest, the clusters undergo crushing and destemming, followed by skin maceration for 12-24 hours, necessary to obtain the desired color. Subsequently, the must ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 16-18 °C, the same type of wine containers used for the short aging period of a few months before the final bottling.

Contini's 'Nieddera' Rosé has an intense and brilliant pink color. The aroma is fine and delicate, defined by notes of red fruits such as raspberry and cherry, with light hints of herbs and flowers. On the palate, it is savory and refreshing, with a slightly fruity finish. A Sardinian rosé wine meant to be consumed young and cold, especially as an aperitif to counter the heat of summer evenings.