Antonella Corda’s reputation is going from strength to strength as she continues to be one to watch in Italy’s winemaking game. Named as ’emerging winemaker’ by Gambero Rosso in 2019, her star continues to rise with each vintage and we are excited to be bringing these wines into WA.
Antonella is part of Serdiana’s well known Argiolas family who’ve been an integral part of the Sardinian wine industry across 5 generations. Thanks to a tradition passed down through her mother, Antonella started her own line of wines producing Vermentino, Nuragus and Cannonau typical of the southern part of this beautifully rugged island.
Recently, Jancis Robinson MW reviewed the new release Antonella Corda 2019 Cannonau:
“Pale ruby. Gorgeously sweet, fresh nose of unadulterated Grenache/Garnacha. Beautiful balance and freshness with some rose-petal aromas and a little saline bite on the end with a light suggestion of some fine, sandy tannin (off to the beach then?). This definitely belongs in the group of the most-winning examples of this grape. So gentle, refreshing and, despite the alcohol, pure and ethereal. 17.5 points.”
‘Cannonau’ is the Sardinian name for Grenache and the latest research suggests that Cannonau originated on the island of Sardinia, rather than being introduced from Spain (Garnacha).
As well as being a delicious drink, Cannonau is also associated with the longevity of the Sardinian population: it has the highest level of polyphenols of any wine, which are antioxidants directly linked to heart health that protect from cardiovascular disease, and is also rich in anthocyanins. Sardinia has the equal highest ratio of ‘centenarians’ in the world, along with Osaka in Japan – the locals enjoy an average of two glasses a day!
Other wines to look out for in the Antonella Corda range are the 2019 Vermentino (stone fruit, citrus with a healthy dose of salinity. Well balanced with excellent length), 2019 Nuragus (both grassy and savoury, again with a thread of salinity – perfect with grilled seafood) and the deliciously complex 2018 Ziru Bianco (Vermentino aged in terracotta amphorae over 12 months, unfiltered. Rich, balanced and very long).
