Today’s Thanksgiving wine comes from the magnificent Italian island of Sardinia. Here you will find a rugged landscape of mountains and sandy beaches with ideal conditions for grape growing (and for tourism, but that’s another article!).

Sardinia’s geography and warm Mediterranean climate makes vine-growing possible all over the island, on sandy soils or granite, and between limestone hills and the sea.

The signature red grape of Sardinia is Cannonau (called Grenache or Garnacha in other parts of the world), and 30% of the vineyards are planted with the variety. Cannonau typically produces deeply flavored, full-bodied, plush wines that are high in alcohol and low in acidity. However, the one I am recommending today is much lighter and fresher in style, despite a high ABV of 14.5%.

The Wine

Antonella Corda Cannonau di Sardegna 2021. Pale red in color with aromas of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, and rose petals. Surprisingly light in body (Pinot Noir-esque), with delicate fresh fruit flavors, silky soft tannins, and a hint of white pepper on the finish. Lively, with many layers of flavor; will pair well with the whole Thanksgiving feast, minus any heaviness.

How does winemaker/owner Antonella Corda make a lighter, more elegant style of Cannonau? Firstly, by reducing the maceration time, ie., the process after fermentation when the grape skins and solids are steeped with the juice to extract color, tannins and aroma.

Secondly, the wine’s fresh juiciness is retained by the limited contact with wood. Only 15 to 20% of the wine rests in small, non-toasted barrels for only six months, with the rest in stainless steel tanks.

Note: As of the 2021 vintage, all Antonella Corda wines will carry the official organic certification.

It may be hard to find the 2021 Antonella Corda Cannonau, however, earlier vintages are more readily available. The 2020 can be found here and the 2019 here.