The Wine Reference🍷 SupportCannonau grape
Cannonau is a red grape known for cherry, plum, spice. Its best-known homes are Sardinia.
Origin and history
Sardinia's name for Grenache; most experts think the vine came from Spain under Aragonese rule, though some Sardinians argue it originated on the island.
Where it grows
All over Sardinia, especially the eastern provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra (Jerzu, Oliena, Capo Ferrato subzones of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC).
Structure
Medium to full body, moderate colour, high alcohol (often 14%+), moderate acidity and soft tannins.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: red cherry, plum, raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and spice. With age: dried fruit, leather, tobacco and earth.
Ageing
Most best within 2–6 years; top Riserva and old-vine bottlings can age 10–15.
Also known as
Grenache, Garnacha.
Good to know
It is Sardinia's most planted red, and the island's Nuoro and Ogliastra provinces, where it dominates, are famous as a 'blue zone' of unusual longevity.
Wine regions for Cannonau
Cannonau wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Argiolas Turriga
Sardinia · Isola dei Nuraghi · Cannonau, Carignan
Sardinia's flagship red: ripe dark fruit, myrtle, spice and velvety tannins.
Food: Roast suckling pig, lamb, pecorino sardo
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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