Tucked away in the granite hills of Mamoiada, in the rugged heart of Barbagia, Cadinu is part of a new generation of producers redefining Sardinia’s greatest red grape. Here, ancient bush vines cling to decomposed granite soils at around 650 metres above sea level, where warm days, cool nights and constant mountain breezes produce Cannonau of remarkable perfume and finesse.
Francesco and Simonetta Cadinu farm eight hectares of family vineyards, some over a century old, vinifying each parcel separately to preserve its unique identity. Fermentations are spontaneous, intervention is minimal, and ageing is gentle, allowing the vineyards to speak with clarity.
Their wines are a far cry from the heavy, rustic Cannonau of old. Instead, they combine wild cherry, Mediterranean herbs and crushed granite with silky tannins, vibrant acidity and an elegance that places Mamoiada firmly among Italy’s most exciting fine wine regions.
