Cantina Surrau Cannonau di Sardegna Sincaru

About this wine

Sincaru is the flagship Cannonau expression from Vigne Surrau, located in Arzachena (Gallura), northern Sardinia. The name means 'pure' in the local Gallurese dialect, reflecting the wine's authentic terroir expression. Sourced from old vines grown in decomposed granite soils, it ferments in stainless steel with daily pumping over and punching down, then rests in large untoasted Slavonian oak barrels before bottling. Ruby red with light garnet reflections, it opens with intense aromas of ripe red fruits and Mediterranean scrub (macchia), delivering a soft, warm, and full palate with polished tannins and a distinct mineral backbone. Scores 88–93 points from Wine Enthusiast across multiple vintages.

Sommelier's Note

"The granite of Gallura speaks clearly through this glass—look for that stony mineral lift threading through ripe cherry and macchia. This is Cannonau at its most elegant."

Food Pairings

An ideal match for roasted lamb, game dishes (venison, wild boar), grilled sausages, aged Pecorino Sardo, and rich pasta with meat ragù. The wine's warm structure also complements traditional Sardinian meat preparations and aged charcuterie.

When to drink it

Perfect for a celebratory dinner centered on lamb or game, a sophisticated gift for wine lovers, or a dinner party where food and conversation deserve equal billing.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Cannonau (Grenache)

Style

Red

Price Range

¥5,000–7,000 (Japan retail)

Terroir & Winemaking

100% Cannonau from old vines (espalier / spurred cordon training) on granite-derived sandy soils in the hills of Arzachena, Gallura. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 16–18 days at controlled temperature with daily pumping over (remontage) and punching down (pigeage). The wine then rests in cement tanks and large untoasted Slavonian oak barrels before bottling. Aging potential: drink now through 3–5 years. Alcohol: approximately 14–14.5%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Sincaru taste like?

Expect ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry, wild berry), spicy Mediterranean scrub notes, a hint of white pepper, and a clean mineral finish from the granite soils. The palate is soft, warm, and full-bodied with polished tannins.

How does Sincaru differ from other Cannonau wines?

Sincaru comes from Gallura in northern Sardinia, which produces a more refined and restrained style than Cannonau from the south of the island. The granite soils contribute distinct minerality, while aging in large untoasted oak preserves the purity of the fruit.

When is the best time to drink Sincaru?

It is enjoyable from release but rewards 3–5 years of cellaring, during which the tannins soften and secondary notes of earth and spice emerge.

What does 'Sincaru' mean?

'Sincaru' means 'pure' in the Gallurese dialect of Sardinian. It reflects Vigne Surrau's philosophy of expressing the terroir authentically without masking it.