Capichera Assajé Carignano Isola dei Nuraghi 2016

Carignane is a beautiful chameleon of a grape, and never have we loved it as much as we do in this bottling, from Sardinia, no less!  The Ragnedda family founded the Capichera winery in the early 80s, intending to produce the finest Vermentino in the world.  As this delicious white grape dominates Sardinia, it was a noble endeavor that many argue they achieved by creating the benchmark for Vermentinos referenced by winemakers worldwide today.  In the late 90s, the Ragneddas began their family's next endeavor, to craft red wines from the cherished terroir of their home in the Gallura region of Sardinia.   

Located in the northeastern point of Sardinia, Gallura, with its rich culture and ancient history, is home to a thriving tourism economy and wine business.  Remnants of the ancient civilizations permeate so much of everyday life in Gallura that even the Ragnedda family vineyards are home to an archaeological monument from the Neolithic period, circa 3000 BC.  Butting up to the coastline of this Mediterranean island means the vineyards in Gallura see plenty of sunshine-filled days with bracing sea breezes that produce fresh, fruity and florally-driven wines with vibrant acidity. 

The Assajé was the first red wine from the Capichera brand, and since 1997 has been refined and perfected as the new Sardinian standard for Carignano (also known as Carignane.)  Its beginning iterations were solely Carignano grapes, but this 2016 vintage blends a small addition of 5% Syrah for body and layered complexity.  For Capichera, crafting wines is an evolving process of tweaks and adjustments toward pursuing that ever-unattainable "perfection." So the name, Assajé, which roughly translates from the Gallura dialect to "so far so good," seems a befittingly perfect moniker.   

This wine is very floral, with sweet, dried herbs and gobs of bright red cherry fruit.  The body intensifies on the palate as the ripe fruit tones deepen to notes of Luxardo cherry and blackberry pie with a tell-tale salinity from the Tyrrhenian Sea to heighten the flavors.  The 12-month aging in oak barriques allowed the tannins to soften, melding flawlessly with vibrant acidity.  Sardinia boasts one of the longest life expectancies of any population in the world due to the enviable lifestyle of the Sardinian people, which highlights low stress, a priority placed on family and social engagement, and moderate consumption of high polyphenol wines, like this one.  So with this wine, you're already on your way to a longer and happier life!