Cannonau
redWarm climate
Also known as Grenache in France or Garnacha in Spain
Sardinia's most planted red grape. Produces warm, generous, herbal wines with higher tannins than most mainland expressions. Old bush vines in the rugged interior produce concentrated, complex wines. Some of Europe's oldest vines.
Riserva and old-vine bottlings age 8-15 years.
Climate
Warm
Regions
1 region
Color
red
Typical Structure & Aromas
Structure
Body
RoundedTannins
IntegratedSweetness
Bone dryAcidity
MellowOakCommon
Where Cannonau grows
Food Pairings
Sardinian roasted suckling pig with wild herbs and myrtle
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic from the Sardinian hills
Pecorino-stuffed ravioli with sage butter and black pepper
Wild boar ragu with pappardelle and juniper berries
Aged Pecorino Romano with honey and toasted walnuts
Grilled swordfish with caponata and Mediterranean herbs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cannonau taste like?▼
Cannonau offers warm, generous flavors with young wines showing bright cherry and strawberry notes alongside herbal garrigue aromas. The wines have more structure and tannins than typical Grenache, giving them a robust, full-bodied character.
Where does Cannonau grow best?▼
Cannonau thrives in Sardinia's warm climate, particularly in the rugged interior where old bush vines produce the most concentrated wines. It's actually Sardinia's most planted red grape variety.
What food pairs with Cannonau?▼
Cannonau's robust tannins and herbal character make it excellent with grilled meats, wild boar, and aged cheeses. The wine's earthy, spicy notes also complement Mediterranean herbs and rustic Sardinian cuisine beautifully.
How does Cannonau age?▼
Cannonau ages gracefully, developing complex aromas of leather, dried fruit, spice, and earth as it matures. The wine's higher tannin structure allows it to evolve from bright fruit-forward styles to more sophisticated, nuanced expressions over time.
Is Cannonau similar to other similar grapes?▼
Cannonau is genetically identical to Grenache but produces wines with notably higher tannins and more structure. While it shares Grenache's warm, generous character, Sardinian Cannonau tends to be more robust and age-worthy than most mainland versions.