wUst Fine Wine Imports
wines U should try!
Janna e Mare
Janna e Mare is small winery in the northwest corner of Sardinia and there are very interesting saline notes in the wines from the sea air that is always in the vineyards. The name itself means "door of the sea" in a Sardinian dialect. My perspective is that the vineyard locations open the door to very expressive wines!
The vineyards are located just a few miles from Alghero, in a very sunny corner of Sardinia and the sea air also maintains a cooling effect on the vineyards which promotes very fresh tasting wines. My initial selections were their Vermentino and two reds, Monica and Cannonau. Monica a very rare Sardinian grape with a light and elegant expression but with very interesting dark fruit notes. Cannonau may sound equally exotic but it is actually the Sardinian name for Grenache, although with the vineyard location in sandy seaside soils that are loaded with minerals, the wine is a particularly interesting expression of Grenache. Other very interesting local grapes that I've also now added to the portfolio are Torbato, a full-bodied white grape and Cagnulari, which is a very aromatic and expressive red grape.
The Wines
Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2023
Aromas include white flowers, citrus blossoms, honeysuckle, gardenia, narcissus, and Meyer Lemon. Flavors include honeydew melon, pear, green apple, white peach, and white grapefruit. There is a medium body, good balance and acidity, and a really long and refreshing minerally finish.
Food pairings would include sole, shrimp, scallops, red snapper, branzino, swordfish, clams, seafood pasta and salads, seafood risotto, paella, veal and pork cutlets, chicken, pasta with light or creamy sauces, Asian chicken, seafood, noodle, and vegetable dishes, Asian appetizers and vegetable salads, Mexican pork, chicken, and seafood dishes, enchiladas, chile relleno, tostadas, green salads, and mild to medium cheeses.
Monica di Sardegna DOC 2022
Aromas include blackberries, dark cherries, and boysenberries. Flavors include blackberries, dark cherries, boysenberries, and blueberries. There is a medium body, perfect balance and acidity, and a very saturated medium finish.
Food pairings would include Filet Mignon, short ribs, beef stew, rack of lamb, veal, pork, chicken, duck, shrimp, salmon, tuna, swordfish, clams, mussels, seafood pasta and soups, pasta with tomato and meat sauces, baked pasta dishes, creamy pasta dishes, Asian beef, pork, and chicken dishes, lamb curries, Mexican pork and chicken dishes, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, beans and rice, charcuterie, and soft, medium, and creamy cheeses.
Cannonau di Sardegna DOC 2023
Cannonau is the name in Sardinia for Grenache although the mineral rich soils of Sardinia do produce a unique and very expressive version of Grenache. Aromas include dark cherries, dark plums, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, really ripe strawberries, and raspberries. Flavors include blueberries, boysenberries, blackberries, and dark cherries. There is a medium body, perfect balance and acidity, and a long medium finish.
Food pairings would include Filet Mignon, New York Steak, Roast Beef, short ribs, beef stew, lamb, veal chops, pork chips and tenderloin, wild boar, elk, grilled chicken, duck, cassoulet, salmon, swordfish, clams, mussels, paella, seafood risotto, pasta with tomato sauce and light meat sauces, Asian and Mexican beef, pork, and chicken dishes, lamb curries and spicy red curries, Tandoori dishes, charcuterie, and mild, medium, and creamy cheeses.
Cagnulari Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2023
Aromas include black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, red peaches, apricots, and pomegranate. Flavors include blackberries, dark cherries, boysenberries, nectarines, and raspberries. There is a medium body but with a fully saturated feel on the palate, perfect balance and acidity, and a long medium finish.
Food pairings would include Filet Mignon, New York Steak, short ribs, beef stew, rack of lamb, veal chops, pork chops, wild boar, grilled chicken, duck, chicken cacciatore, coq au vin, pasta with marinara sauce, clams, mussels, seafood pasta dishes, Asian and Mexican beef, pork, and chicken dishes, Tandoori dishes, lamb tagine, grilled eggplant, tacos, tapas, and medium to hard cheeses.
