2016 Montessu Isola Dei Nuraghi Punica, Sardegna

The wine is made from Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. It may sound like a bit of a mess, but there's a logical explanation. Carignan gives variable results and is not usually associated with top wine, but the Sardinian climate with plenty of sun gives an optimal ripening of the grape. The soil is very sandy on the coast and this gives aromatic, perfumed grapes while the inland climate means that the grapes, due to being grown at altitude, are more robust and powerful, making for a perfect combination. By blending not only grape varieties, but also from different locations, you get a result where the whole is far better than the sum of the individual components separately. Montessu is a perfect symbiosis between grapes and terroir!.