Did you know that one of the greatest wines of the world hides on an Italian island at the heart of the Mediterranean? Neither did we, to be honest until this treasure crossed our path. It is, after all, one of the few wines that consistently wins the highest accolade Italian wines could, the venerable Tre Bicchieri, or 3 out of 3 glasses which equals a perfect score by Gambero Rosso, the leading wine, food and travel publication of Italy.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate calls Terre Brune; “one of the highest expressions of Sardinian vinous elegance” and Antonio Galloni echoes; “Simply put, when it comes to red wines this is one of Italy’s two or three best social cooperatives. In fact, there aren’t even many family-run estates anywhere in the country that makes two reds with the stature of Santadi’s Terre Brune… One of the secrets to quality here is that the coop’s members own some of the best, oldest Carignano vineyards planted on the sandy soils of the Sulcis, where this variety is elevated to another quality level, far removed from bland examples long associated with other Mediterranean countries.”

Onto the wine, which we almost forgot about as there is so much to say on Terre Brune…

Alluring, glossy ruby with garnet and crimson shimmers reminiscent of a Mediterranean sunset. Dizzyingly unique and complex on the glorious nose with boysenberry jam, fig, bay laurel, currants, and mineral notes. Tannic and plummy, posing captivating touches of preserved strawberry, tobacco, and chocolate with an authoritative yet lifted mouthfeel. Rich, caressingly velvety with an exotic spice edge, lingering very long on the sublime finish with exceptional elegance. Fresh pasta with long-simmered gamy sauces, roasted lamb, hare, mushrooms all come to mind as ideal pairing candidates for this classy red, unlike any Carignan you have ever witnessed.

It all started to make more sense when we learned that the architect of this beacon is the greatest Italian oenologist who ever lived, Giacomo Tachis. As the father of Super Tuscan wines, he’s credited with having kickstarted Italy’s wine renaissance by creating the likes of Sassicaia, Solaia, and Tignanello. Yes, those CULT reds that also happen to be some of the greatest wines of the world! There you go. Today, and only at The Wine Spies, we’re gifting you this collectible masterpiece for just $59. This is our treat, taste the bucolic, stress-free beach heaven that is Sardinia in your glasses, at the cost of a couple of guidebooks overflowing with photos to drool over.

Did you also know that the first man in the world to live to 110 was from Sardinia, boasting the highest rate of centenarians alive in the world? Dr. Oz attributes one of the best life expectancies in the world of an average of 80+ primarily to the magical red wines here richest in antioxidants. You’re welcome!

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

Tre Bicchieri – Gambero Rosso

94 Points – James Suckling - “Enveloping, elderberry and damson nose that has no hint of exaggeration of any kind. With aeration, some meaty character develops. Great concentration and a super tannin structure that gives this a plush feel through the long, slightly warm finish. Drink or hold.”

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “Cantina Santadi is a cooperative winery located in the southwest quadrant of the island, in the Sulcis area, where the Carignano grape has always enjoyed the limelight. Sandy soils, proximity to the sea, and a warm, dry climate mean that many old vines survived phylloxera and are still productive today. Always a formidable wine, the 2014 Carignano del Sulcis Superiore Terre Brune shows its pride and pedigree. This wine represents a historic blend of 95% Carignano del Sulcis and 5% Bovaleddu grapes for good measure. Bovaleddu is another name for Bovale, and the variety comes in two clones: one with large berries and one with tight, smaller berries. It immediately paints a Sardinian landscape for you, with aromas that recall the native myrtle (mirto) plants that grow freely on the island and softer tones of scorched island earth and even a veiling of sea salt that reminds you of its littoral Mediterranean identity. The wine spends 20 long months in new oak. Drink 2019-2030.”