Argiolas S'elegas Nuragus di Cagliari

 

Rarely do I find a wine worthy of a review of it's own.

This Nuragus from Sardinia wins this honor.

I am partial to wines of Sardinia, Vermentino and Carignano and others.  But this one I found to be worthy of a special mention.

We first tasted this wine at lunch at Bradford pool club. Diana made a salad of Tinkyada Rice Pasta with a fresh basil pesto, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, both from the Montclair Farmer's Market, with extra virgin olive oil. Rice and Corn Chips with a Gigantes Bean Spread from Whole Foods and our new favorite salsa, Salpica.

Winner of many accolades, Reviews, I find this wine to be a perfect summer wine, served ice cold, slightly chilled, over ice with sparkling water or as a base for an Italian Sangria it is perfect.

"Darkish yellow-golden color. The nose shows layers of apricot, sage, rosemary, and biscuity aromas. The wine is big and well-structured but still very fresh with flavors of white spices and almonds, with an almost well-aged, champagne-like flavor. Nicely long finish. 100% Nuragus." Wine Library it is currently sold out there but still may be found at Wine Legend.

The story of the wine from the Importer is this:

"This winery, owned by Antonio Argiolas, is located about fifteen miles from Cagliari, Sardinia's capital. Nuragus, a grape named after the island's historic stone towers, is the island's most prolific white varietal, covering one third of Sardinia's vineyard space. The S'elegas bottling is made from 100% Nuragus grown in the hillside area of Trexenta, 600 feet above sea level. This is significant because, although much of Sardinia's potential vineyard space is comprised of higher elevation sites well-suited to the vine, most growers choose to plant on lower, more gently rolling areas that are easier to work but often bear less interesting wines. The S'elegas vineyards are composed of limestone with certain areas of clay, are well-ventilated, and benefit from a warm growing season. Following a gentle pressing, this wine is fermented in stainless steel to retain a fresh, typically Mediterranean, nutty flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment for your favorite shellfish, calamari, herbed olives, and grilled chicken with thyme. " Importer

The web site can be found here Cantine Argiolas.

Comments

[Karen]

The first pleasure this wine presents is the golden color (2006). It's personality has tremendous breadth and nuance. Upon first contact, you experience a bracing lightness on the tongue - the pure taste of rainwater and the sweetness of honey. This wine conjures very strong images - a riveting sense sense of dejavu. Then stronger flavors set in, that seem to come from a very different source. The mouth contracts with the possesion of weighty fruit flavors and a chalky floral vapors. The lasting impression is one of total enchantment - that such disparate traits can be harmonized. It is the kind of wine that will open many people up to the magic of winemaking. It is sectacular with chicken. The wine has a softness I have never experienced.