The island of Sardinia sits off the west coast of Italy like a Puerto Rico tilted on its head in the Mediterranean Sea. With a hardscrabble mountainous interior, it's ringed by insanely picturesque aquamarine coastlines like you've only seen in the movies. And the people are reputed to be like its landscape. Its wines are also as beguiling.
Cannonau, as grenache is known in these parts, is this Italian outpost's primary red grape. When forced to dig deep into the island's granitic, unirrigated hillside soils, its struggle produces something the grape is unable to achieve anywhere else in the world. Honesty, purity, clarity.
And for those of us paying attention to longevity, it also helps us live longer. According to Blue Zones author Dan Buettner, "Cannonau has the highest levels of anthocyanins and polyphenols; these antioxidants are linked to heart health. Studies have shown that consuming wine as part of a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of some cancers and cardiovascular disease..."
Here's the bonus: almost without exception, it's good. While there isn't a ton of it out there, it also isn't an unusual unicorn of a wine, so you can definitely find it. Since I first discovered this about 15 years ago, it has never disappointed, no matter the producer. So, if you can't find this one, fret not. Just grab any Cannonau.
This week, I was reminded of this rejuvenating phenom after tasting the 2020 Caladu Canonau di Sardegna ($20.) True to form, it reflects the rugged, beautiful landscape elegantly in a glass. Light-bodied, but full-flavored, it's a tannic joyride over an herb-scented bluff. Invigorating and lip-smacking. As with any wine, maximizing its health benefits only requires that you consume it surrounded by good friends and good food. Enjoy.