2017 Mesa Buio Carignano Del Sulcis DOC, Sardinia

2017 Mesa Buio Carignano del Sulcis DOC is a soulful and distinctly Sardinian red wine, shaped by one of the Mediterranean’s most unique viticultural landscapes. Carignano del Sulcis comes from the far south west of Sardinia near the sea, where ancient bush vines grow on sandy, wind swept soils that are naturally resistant to phylloxera. Many of these vines are ungrafted and very old, with deep root systems that draw resilience and complexity from a harsh but beautiful environment. Constant sea breezes, intense sunlight and cooling nights give Carignano both ripeness and freshness, while the sandy soils deliver remarkable finesse and aromatic clarity.

Cantina Mesa was founded in 2004 by the Santadi cooperative in partnership with internationally renowned advertising creative Gavino Sanna, with the aim of elevating Sardinian wine to the global stage through both quality and strong identity. Buio is one of the estate’s flagship wines, and its name meaning dark refers not just to colour but to depth and intensity. The winemaking is respectful and restrained, focusing on expressing the raw character of Carignano rather than smoothing it into something generic. Gentle extraction and careful oak aging help polish the wine while preserving its Mediterranean soul.

In the glass the wine shows a deep ruby to garnet colour. Aromas are intense and layered, offering black cherry, plum, wild herbs, myrtle, black olive and subtle spice, with a salty, maritime note that speaks clearly of its coastal origin. The palate is full bodied yet finely balanced, delivering dark fruit, savoury spice and firm but refined tannins, with freshness carrying through to a long, earthy finish. It is superb with grilled meats, slow cooked lamb, sausages, Mediterranean dishes and aged cheeses, and it will continue to evolve for ten to fifteen years, gaining more leather, dried herb and earthy complexity as it matures.

2017 Mesa Buio Carignano del Sulcis is a powerful yet authentic expression of Sardinia, capturing old vines, sea air and tradition in a wine that feels both ancient and contemporary at the same time.