Agricola Punica is a Sardinian estate started as a joint venture between Sebastiano Rosa (Tenuta San Guido’s winemaker), Sardinian cooperative Cantina di Santadi, Tenuta San Guido, Santadi President Antonello Pilloni and legendary Tuscan consulting oenologist Giacomo Tachis. The idea was formed by Giacomo Tachis who saw the potential of producing a fantastic wine from the combination of Sardinian terroir and the Carignano grape.

The company purchased a 370-acre estate in 2002 and divided it into two sites: Barrua and Narcao They are located in the southwest of Sardinia, in the area known as “Sulcis Meridionale.” The Barrua vineyard’s clay and sand mixture is planted to 25 acres of old, bush-trained Carignano vines and 125 acres of new Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines.

The southwest corner of Sardinia is a nearly perfect environment for the hot-climate traits of the Carignano vine. An extraordinary average of seven daily hours of sunlight enables the fruit to reach an ideal level of ripeness and maturity.

At the moment, the Punica Farm produces two great red wines, Barrua and Montessu, and a delicious white wine called Samas. All of them fall under the appellation I.G.T. Isola Dei Nuraghi, originating from typical Sardinian grapes exceptionally blended with some French varieties.

Barrua is made from Carignano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes vinified individually in the estate’s Narcao and Barrua vineyards from spurred cordon vines cultivated in Basso Sulcis.

The quality of the Carignano grape is excellent in the Sulcis area, not only in color, but also for the softness of its soluble compounds—from the tannins, the consistently low and elegant acidity and the smoothness of its main components.

The 2018 Agricola Punica Barrua Isola dei Nuraghi is an exquisite red wine hailing from the beautiful region of Sardinia, Italy. This wine presents itself with elegance and finesse, showcasing a deep garnet color that catches the eye and entices the senses. With its proprietary blend of grapes, carefully selected and expertly crafted by the renowned producer Agricola Punica, this wine offers a unique and captivating experience.

On the nose, the 2018 Barrua reveals a perfumed bouquet that enchants with notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, and subtle red roses. The aromas are balanced and harmonious, intertwining with each other to create a symphony of scents. It is a true delight for the olfactory senses, setting the stage for the remarkable journey that awaits.

As this wine graces the palate, it unveils its true character. Full-bodied and velvety, it envelopes the mouth with a luxurious texture that is both rich and creamy. The tannins are integrated flawlessly, caressing the palate and enhancing the overall experience. While slightly chewy at the finish, this characteristic is expected to soften and evolve with time, making it an excellent candidate for cellaring.

With an alcohol percentage of 15.0%, this red wine exhibits power and intensity, yet remains balanced and refined. The craftsmanship behind this creation is undeniable, as it showcases the expertise and dedication of the winemakers.

James Suckling, a reputable wine critic, awarded this wine an impressive score of 93 points. In his tasting note, he describes it as succulent and delicious, highlighting its irresistible charm. He suggests that it can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development.

The 2018 Agricola Punica Barrua Isola dei Nuraghi is a true gem from Sardinia, Italy. Its beauty, complexity, and potential for aging make it a remarkable addition to any wine enthusiast's collection. Whether savored now or cherished in the years to come, this wine promises an unforgettable experience filled with elegance and sophistication.