Cannonau: the essence of Sardinia in every bunch

Cannonau is undoubtedly one of Sardinia's most iconic native grape varieties. With its dark red grapes and robust character, Cannonau has adapted perfectly to the island's climate and terroir, becoming the emblematic variety of Sardinian viticulture.

But what makes the Cannonau grape so special and why is this vine so loved by producers and enthusiasts?

Botanical characteristics of the Cannonau grape variety

Cannonau grapes are characterized by medium-sized clusters and intensely colored berries, ranging from ruby ​​red to purple. The grape's thick skin not only gives the wines a well-defined tannic structure, but also protects the berries from the strong winds and intense sun that characterize Sardinia's climate. This particular hardiness allows Cannonau to thrive in conditions that might be adverse to other grape varieties, such as arid soils and water scarcity, typical of hills battered by the mistral wind.

Botanically, Cannonau is known for its slow ripening, which allows the grapes to fully develop their sugar content and aromas. This prolonged ripening process yields wines with remarkable aromatic richness, where notes of ripe red fruit combine with spicy nuances. Furthermore, its adaptability allows it to be grown in different areas of the island, each time expressing slightly different characteristics, depending on the microclimate and soil.

Adaptability and Sardinian Terroir

One of the characteristics that makes the Cannonau di Sardegna grape variety so special is its extraordinary ability to adapt to the Sardinian terroir. Sardinia, with its mineral-rich soils, high summer temperatures, and constant sea breezes, represents an ideal environment for growing this grape variety.

In the island's more inland areas, such as Barbagia and Ogliastra, Cannonau expresses a more powerful and tannic structure, thanks to the marked temperature variations between day and night. In the Gallura region, however, where Siddùra wines originate, Cannonau displays greater finesse, thanks to the sandy and granite soils that lend the wines elegance and freshness, while maintaining the varietal's distinctive complexity.

Sustainable production of Cannonau wine

For Siddùra, wine production is not only aimed at achieving excellence in terms of quality, but also in terms of sustainability.
For this reason, we adopt ecosystem-conscious viticultural practices rooted in the traditional viticulture of Gallura, with an approach that not only preserves the biodiversity of the vineyards but also guarantees a natural and authentic product that "tastes of Sardinia."

Siddùra's philosophy is based on the belief that great wine is born not only from the soil and climate, but also from respect for local traditions and a connection to the land. For this reason, every stage of the production process, from hand-picked grapes to winemaking, is conducted with extreme care and attention to detail, ensuring that the essence of Sardinia is reflected in every bottle.

The commitment to sustainable production also translates into the responsible management of resources, such as water and energy, and the use of agricultural practices that promote soil conservation. Siddùra is committed to preserving the delicate balance between humanity and the environment, aware that respect for nature is essential to producing high-quality wines that fully express their terroir.

Despite its ancient origins, Cannonau is a grape variety that continues to evolve, thanks to innovation and constant experimentation. Producing Cannonau means respecting centuries of tradition, but also being open to innovation to constantly improve the quality of the wine. Siddùra is a perfect example of how Cannonau can maintain its connection to the land and tradition, while looking to the future.

Èrema represents the younger, fresher side of Cannonau, a versatile and immediate wine that expresses the vivacity and strength of this native grape. With its fruity aromatic profile and pleasant palate, Èrema is ideal for those seeking a Cannonau that respects the terroir's identity but is also easy to enjoy on any occasion.

On the other hand, Fòla expresses the power and complexity of aged Cannonau. With extended aging, Fòla offers a richer and more structured experience, with deep notes of ripe fruit, spice, and tobacco that develop harmoniously. This wine represents the quintessential Cannonau, perfect for those seeking a more intense and meditative expression of the grape, capable of evolving over time and offering ever-changing sensations.

Finally, Nudo adds another dimension to the evolution of Cannonau. This rosé version embodies the purity and freshness of the grape, without oak aging, highlighting Cannonau's most delicate and fragrant aspects. Nudo is a wine distinguished by its elegance and an aromatic profile that emphasizes exotic fruit and floral notes, demonstrating how even a rosé version can express the soul of this grape in an innovative and surprising way.

The excellence of Nudo led it to be indicated by international wine critics, in 2024, as the best rosé in the world

Through Èrema, Fòla, and Nudo, Siddùra celebrates the ancient bond between Sardinia and Cannonau, keeping alive respect for tradition and the environment, and demonstrating that innovation can coexist with the authenticity of the territory.