Wines Unspecified Santadi - Terre Brune - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Santadi’s Terre Brune 2020 is a distinguished Sardinian red, primarily crafted from Carignano grapes—the local name for Carignan—often blended with small amounts of Bovale Sardo and other indigenous varieties. The 2020 vintage reflects a balanced year on the island, allowing the grapes to reach optimal maturity. Terre Brune is renowned for its meticulous vinification: hand-harvested grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel, followed by a lengthy maturation in French oak barriques, which encourages a harmonious blend of ripe fruit and complexity. The resulting wine is both powerful and elegant, with deep ruby hues, aromas of black cherry, wild berries, liquorice, Mediterranean herbs, cocoa, and subtle smokiness derived from oak ageing. On the palate, it reveals lush tannins, rich fruit, and a lingering, spicy finish.

The wine hails from Sardinia, an island marked by a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, mild winters, and cooling sea breezes. The soils in the Sulcis region, where Santadi is based, are a mosaic of sand, clay, and limestone, contributing to the intensity and depth of the Carignano grape. This part of Sardinia has a long viticultural history, with ancient vines—some ungrafted—thriving thanks to the region’s relative isolation, which protected it from the phylloxera epidemic. The sea’s proximity keeps temperatures moderate and allows grapes to ripen steadily, resulting in wines of structure and aromatic complexity.

Terre Brune’s robust yet refined character lends itself to hearty, flavourful dishes. Consider pairing it with slow-cooked lamb shank, rich beef ragù, or wild boar stew—dishes common in Sardinia. Pecorino Sardo, the local sheep’s cheese, also makes a fine accompaniment. Earthy flavours such as roasted aubergines or wild mushroom risotto work beautifully with this wine’s depth and subtle herbal notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Terre Brune for at least an hour to allow its aromas to fully develop. Serve at 16-18°C to preserve freshness and highlight the complexity of the bouquet. This is a wine that will evolve beautifully with a few more years in the cellar, but it can be savoured now for its vivid expression of Sardinian terroir.