How to taste Cannonau

Cannonau di Sardegna DOC deserves to be tasted carefully, to fully appreciate its richness of aromas and flavors. Whether you're tasting a young Cannonau like Èrema, a more complex and aged Cannonau like Fòla, or a fresh and delicate rosé like Nudo, there are a few key steps that will allow you to fully enjoy this extraordinary Sardinian wine.

Serving temperature

The first step to enjoying Cannonau at its best is the serving temperature. For full-bodied reds like Èrema and Fòla, the ideal temperature is between 16 and 18°C, allowing the wine to express its full aromatic complexity without the alcohol dominating.
For Nudo, being a Cannonau rosé, the recommended serving temperature is cooler, around 10-12°C, ideal for enhancing its freshness and the liveliness of its fruity aromas.

For younger wines like Èrema, a slightly lower temperature (16°C) helps maintain freshness, while for a more mature Cannonau like Fòla, 18°C ​​is ideal to bring out the tertiary notes of spice and tobacco. Nudo, on the other hand, best expresses its lightness and fragrance at a lower temperature, enhancing the fresh, fruity aromas typical of rosés.

The most suitable glass

The choice of glass is equally important. Cannonau Rosso, with its structure and intensity, should be enjoyed in a wide glass, which favors oxygenation and the expression of its complex aromas. A balloon glass, with a wide bowl and a slightly closed opening, is ideal for concentrating the aromas and allowing you to fully appreciate both the fruity and spicy notes.

A suitable glass will allow you to perceive the progression of aromas, from the initial fruitiness to the deeper notes that develop over time. For younger wines like Èrema, the glass should be no more than a third full, so you can swirl the wine and release its aromas. For Fòla, you can opt for a glass for aged wines, which allows for greater aeration, necessary to appreciate its full complexity.

For the rosé version of Cannonau, like Nudo, lighter and fresher, we recommend a rosé glass with a wide opening, which helps maintain freshness and allows you to perceive its floral and fruity notes in all their delicacy.

The sensory experience

Tasting Cannonau is an experience that engages all the senses. Once poured into the glass, take a moment to observe the color: Èrema is a beautiful ruby ​​red with purple highlights; Fòla has a deeper hue, with garnet hues that indicate the wine's evolution over time; Nudo presents a pale, bright pink color, hinting at the wine's freshness.

Bring the glass to your nose and make an initial olfactory exploration.

In the case of Èrema, you'll be greeted by a bouquet of fresh red fruit, such as cherries and raspberries, accompanied by light spicy notes. In contrast, Fòla releases more complex aromas, ranging from ripe fruit to tobacco, with hints of chocolate and sweet spices.

Finally, Nudo will give you delicate scents of wild strawberries, raspberries and a floral touch, making the olfactory experience light and pleasant.

Finally, it's time to taste. Let the wine spread evenly in your mouth.

Èrema will surprise you with its freshness and ease of drinking, with soft tannins and a fruity and slightly spicy finish.
Fòla will offer a sensation of fullness and warmth, with more present tannins and a long, enveloping finish, which leaves a memory of ripe fruit and spices in the mouth.
Nudo will stand out for its fresh and flowing tones, with a pleasant acidity that makes it light and lively, perfect for a high-quality rosé.

Tasting opportunities

Cannonau lends itself to a variety of tasting occasions, adapting to both everyday meals and more special moments.

Èrema, with its freshness and versatility, is perfect for a casual dinner with friends or to accompany a light dish, such as pasta with ragù or grilled white meats. It's also a wine that lends itself to an aperitif, perhaps paired with a platter of fresh cheeses or cured meats.
Fòla, on the other hand, is the ideal wine for a more intimate evening or to celebrate a special occasion. Its complexity makes it perfect for pairing with richer, more structured dishes, such as red meats or game, or aged cheeses. It's a wine that invites you to slow down, to take the time to savor every sip, enjoying the intensity and depth of this Cannonau.
Nudo, with its freshness and delicate aromatic profile, is perfect for lighter, more relaxing moments, like a summer lunch or an outdoor aperitif. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, white meats, and summer salads.

Every glass of Cannonau is a piece of Sardinia: a wine that tells the story of this ancient and proud land, capable of surprising and enchanting with every sip.
Whether you choose the freshness of Èrema, the complexity of Fòla, or the elegance of Nudo, let your senses guide you and discover the beauty of this extraordinary wine.