Cardedu ‘Astili’ Rosso Sardegna NV - $24.99
STORY
Cannonau or “Sardinian Dynamite” as it’s been called is undoubtedly the most important red grape of the island. In the wrong hands it has been known to run away and become a wine of such unrestrained alcohol levels that it can reach the limits of table wine. But, at its best, it is medium bodied and focused. Raspberry and strawberry fruit with slightly peppery spices. Despite its exotic name you probably know it as Grenache, having been brought to the island when Spain’s Aragon Dynasty ruled the Island from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
HOW TO
The ‘Astili’ is a dry farmed blend of Cannonau, Bovale, Monica, and Pascale – and shows off their light-bodied and juicy side. With Sardignia’s hot dry climate, Sergio is ever vigilant to keep his alcohol levels in check by astute vineyard management, and an early harvest. This field blend of fruit from their oldest and highest altitude vines is co-fermented for 12 days in 100 HL stainless steel tanks and later raised for 6 months in cement tanks. Cannonau’s red fruits, Monica’s herbal components, combined with Bovale’s acidity swirl together to complement each other’s best attributes. It’s hard not to think about drinking this chilled in the summer, but at least it will give us a quick break from the snow.
TUNES FOR YOUR JUICE
by Liza Morgioni
Sardinia owes much of its uniqueness to the fact that it has been influenced over time by different cultures; Italian, Spanish, Basque, and Arabic influence can be found not just in their wine but also in language, cuisine, architecture, and more. The wonderful result is a sense of place and culture that is distinctly Sardinian. Similarly, the artist FKJ is actually a one-man show who uses a loop pedal and sound engineering to combine his many instruments into cohesive, one-of-a-kind music. He plays the drums, guitar, bass guitar, double bass, piano, synthesizer, and both alto and tenor saxophones. He’s absolutely killing it.
Cardedu’s Astili Rosso, a super juicy wine described as having electric acidity and fractal tannins, is sure to put a smile on your face, so it’s deserving of a song that is just as electrically magnetic. The opening guitar riff flows along, mimicking a wave crashing onto shore. By mid song, the saxophone invites you to really dive in, and with the entrance of the bass, you’ll feel as if you were swimming through Sardinian waters. It should come as no surprise to find out that the music video for the song features FKJ performing in an aquarium in front of sharks, sea turtles, tropical fish, and even in a jellyfish tunnel. They seem like they are vibing, but also maybe wish they had a glass of Cardedu Astili to enjoy the music with.