The 100% Nuragus, the 2005 S’Elegas Nuragus di Cagliari was fermented in stainless steel and saw partial malolactic. It exhibits lovely honeyed orange and cream custard notes intermixed with a notion of Mediterranean herbs. Crisp and elegant as well as surprisingly intense and richly fruity, it should be consumed over the next 12 months.
One of my favorite estates from Sardinia, Argiolas, located just north of Cagliari, has long promoted the island’s indigenous varietals, including Nuragus and Vermentino for their whites, and such red grapes as Cannonau, Monica, Carignano, and Bovale Sardo. I strongly urge readers to check out these fabulous wine values as they are every bit as good as these enthusiastic notes suggest. Just one caveat: Drink the whites within a year of release, and the reds within several.
A Leonardo LoCascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620; fax (201) 445-9868.