Mesa Carignano del Sulcis Riserva Buio Buio 2023

Cantina Mesa Buio Buio is a refined Carignano del Sulcis Riserva that captures the distinctive character of Sardinia’s windswept southwest coast. Made from old, own-rooted bush vines and matured in French oak, it combines impressive depth and structure with remarkable freshness, saline minerality and exceptionally velvety tannins. Founded in 2004, Cantina Mesa has become an important ambassador for the island’s Mediterranean wine culture.

Tasting Notes
The wine presents a deep, concentrated ruby colour with darker garnet reflections. Its aromatic profile opens with ripe black fruit and plum, followed by balsamic nuances, Mediterranean herbs and subtle spice from its oak maturation. On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping, with a lively freshness and a distinctive savoury, saline character reflecting its coastal origin. Silky tannins provide structure without heaviness, while notes of dark fruit, liquorice and gentle spice carry through to a long, persistent finish. This is a generous yet balanced Riserva with the concentration to develop further in bottle. It can be enjoyed now after decanting, but should gain additional savoury, balsamic and tertiary complexity over the next several years when properly stored.

Production
The Carignano grapes are sourced from old, free-standing bush vines in Sulcis, close to the sea. The sandy, calcareous-clay soils are low in organic matter but rich in minerals, while the dry, wind-influenced Mediterranean climate encourages even ripening and contributes to the wine’s pronounced mineral and saline character. Grapes are harvested by hand and undergo approximately two weeks of skin maceration in stainless-steel tanks. The wine is transferred using gravity wherever possible, then aged for around 10–12 months in French oak barriques before resting in bottle to allow its aromatic and structural complexity to harmonise.

Food & Serving
Buio Buio is an excellent match for richly flavoured dishes such as slow-cooked beef, roast lamb, wild boar and other game. Its freshness and savoury character also complement grilled meats, hearty pasta with meat sauce, aged Pecorino and mature hard cheeses. Serve at approximately 16–18°C. Decant for 30–60 minutes before serving, particularly when enjoying a young bottle, to soften the tannins and reveal its balsamic and dark-fruit aromas.

Producer
Cantina Mesa was established in 2004 in the Sulcis region of Sardinia with a focus on expressing the island’s landscapes, native varieties and maritime identity. The estate’s old Carignano bush vines, planted on sandy soils near the coast, are central to the character of Buio Buio. Under the guidance of oenologist Stefano Cova, the winery favours a restrained approach with minimal mechanical intervention and gravity-led transfers. Buio Buio has received the prestigious Bibenda 5 Grappoli accolade and is regarded as one of Cantina Mesa’s most distinguished interpretations of Sardinian Carignano.

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