The Nuragus
Grape
An ancient white grape variety from Sardinia, Italy, Nuragus produces light, crisp wines with low to moderate alcohol content, featuring flavors of citrus, green apple, and a distinct mineral character. It is often consumed young to appreciate its freshness and vibrancy.
Nuragus
Grape History
The Nuragus grape is a white grape variety native to the island of Sardinia, Italy. The history of Nuragus dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the grape has been cultivated on the island since ancient times. This grape is believed to have been brought to Sardinia by the Phoenicians, who were skilled seafarers and traders.
The name Nuragus itself is derived from the Nuragic civilization, an ancient civilization that inhabited the island of Sardinia. The Nuragic people were known for their advanced agricultural practices, and it is believed that they were among the first to cultivate the Nuragus grape.
Nuragus is primarily grown in the southern part of Sardinia, particularly in the provinces of Cagliari and Oristano. The grape thrives in the warm, sunny climate of the island, producing wines that are characterized by their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and mineral notes.
Nuragus is used to produce both still and sparkling wines, with the most famous expression being the Nuragus di Cagliari DOC. This wine is typically dry, light-bodied, and best enjoyed when young and fresh. Nuragus wines are versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes, from seafood to pasta to poultry.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in indigenous grape varieties like Nuragus, as consumers seek out unique and authentic wines. The future of Nuragus looks promising, as winemakers continue to experiment with different winemaking techniques and styles to showcase the grape's full potential.
Overall, Nuragus is a fascinating grape variety with a rich history and a bright future. Its unique flavors and connection to the land make it a special wine that is worth seeking out and exploring.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel