Carignano del Sulcis "Intrigu", Rivano - 2023

I can't lie—I've been a big fan of this Carignan since I first tasted it in 2019. The 1-hectare vineyard of Carignano from the island of Sant'Antioco off the Southwest coast of Sardinia, has southeast exposure and a high content of sand. The bush vines are planted piede franco or "ungrafted" since phylloxera was unable to take root here. The bush training also helps against the intense wind of the region. This wine spends three months aging in stainless steel and sees zero oak. Fresh and ripe wild berries, dried strawberries and cranberries, cured meat, and savory notes of garrigue (wild herbs) presented on the palate. The wonderful freshness and moderate, chalky tannins balance the fruit-forwardness of this wine. It's my quintessential lamb wine, from roasted leg of lamb to a tomato-based lamb ragu with mint.