Open Cellar: A Te, Isola Dei Nuraghi IGT

Type: Still red wine

Origin: Quartu Sant'Elena & Santadi, Sardinia, Italy

Grapes: Barbera Sarda (70%), Carignano (30%)

Year: 2022

Volume: 75cl

ABV: 14%

Allergens: Contains sulphites

Producer: Azienda Agricola Altanera di Massimiliano Marongiu

Story: This serendipitous blend of Sardinian Barbera  and Carignano di Sulcis grape varieties is a match made in heaven. And it might not have come about had winegrowers Massimiliano and Claudia not met and fallen in love. The couple's hands, making the shape of a heart, feature on the label. Massimiliano's family vineyards produce the Barbera Sarda in south central Sardinian, while Claudia's focussed on growing elegant, complex Carignano in the south west. Harvested late in the season as the grapes begin to dry, the combined fruits undergo an unhurried vinification process, followed by cellar aging with oak staves, before the wine is allowed to mature a full 18 months in the bottle. Characteristics: a sumptuous dark ruby red colour with purple highlights, typical of Muristeddu; aromas of juicy dark fruits and a kiss of vanilla. An elegant, full-bodied, balanced wine that allows both grapes in this relationship to shine. Goes well with: rich vegetarian, meat, game and fish dishes. Serve: room temperature (around 18 degrees C)