Antichi Poderi Jerzu, `Bantu` Cannonau di Sardegna

Antichi Poderi Jerzu is a cooperative winery based in Jerzu, within the historical Ogliastra region on Sardinia’s east coast. Jerzu is a remote, untouched village that maintains many of its age-old traditions. This affinity to history and tradition is reflected in the village’s population, which boasts the world record ratio of centenarians to population: of the 3,200 inhabitants, four are over 100 years old.

The co-operative was founded in 1950 by the village doctor, Josto Miglior, who convinced 45 grape growers to join forces to produce better wine. Today, Antichi Poderi Jerzu unites 430 growers, from almost all the families in the village, led by head winemaker Biagio Boi and consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei.

Their 650 hectares of vineyards are located in prime hillside areas stretching from the Gennargentu mountains, in the heart of the island, to the coast. The grapes grown here are renowned for their flavour intensity. The range of locations and micro-climatic conditions provides Biagio and Franco with multiple blending options along with opportunities to express the unique character of certain plots.

The ‘Telavè’ Vermentino and the ‘Bantu’ Cannonau are young and fresh expressions of these classic Sardinian varieties. Each represents excellent value. The ‘Lucean Le Stelle’ Vermentino comes from a stricter selection of grapes. It is fermented in stainless steel vats before ageing for six months on its lees, giving a more intense expression of the variety. Their top Cannonau, the ‘Marghia’, hails from 30-year-old vines 500 metres above sea level. Aged in Slavonian oak for 12 months, it has intense aromas of ripe blackberry, forest fruits and a touch of spice.