Antonella Corda Ziru Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2018, Sardinia
Ziru is the local ancient name for vessels used to store oil and wine on the island of Sardinia. It is also the name for this super interesting skin-contact wine made from Vermentino. Aged in sealed amphora for six to 10 months, only about 3,000 bottles were produced.
The producer notes say “long maceration and patience” went into this golden-hued wine, a rich and honeyed sip with complex tropical and stone fruits, dried nut skins, candied lemon rind and lemon compote. This is a full-bodied wine, with an opulent, glycerol and herbal savory palate and leaning a bit on the wild side. It has an aged Riesling vibe—even has a little petrol on the nose. It is intriguing and pleasurable, and I was sorry to finish it, as so few bottles were produced.
Hailing from a family of winemakers, Antonella Corda established her winery in 2010 from vineyards she inherited from her grandfather. She practices sustainable viticulture. From notes on her winery web site, she says “I wanted to make a great wine from native grapes capable of revealing all the hidden aromas and strength of every single grape. A complex floral bouquet, combined with a strong fruity and mineral note, united by a body with golden reflections. The tannin smoothed by the terracotta and the strong acidity compete for the spotlight with every sip.”
Ben fatto!