Antichi Poderi Jerzu Bantu Cannonau di Sardegna

Antichi Poderi Jerzu is a cooperative winery based in the village of Jerzu, within the historical Ogliastra region on Sardinias east coast. The cooperative 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 village families, led by head winemaker Biagio Boi and consultant winemaker Franco Bernabei.

Jerzu is a remote, untouched village that maintains many of its age-old traditions. This affinity to history and tradition is reflected in the villages population, which boasts the world record ratio of centenarians to population: of the 3,200 inhabitants, four are over 100 years old. The cooperatives 650 hectares of vineyards are 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.

Production

The vineyards are located in the Jerzu area, on gentle slopes that reach the sea from the Gennargentu mountains. The vines are grown on south and south-east facing vineyards at altitudes between 350 – 450 metres above sea level, maximizing exposure to sunlight. Soils are mostly schistous and calcareous. The average vine age is 20 years. The training system is simple Guyot and planting density is 4,000 vines per hectare.

Fermentation was carried out slowly in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures over a period of at least 20 days to preserve purity and aromatic intensity. Following fermentation, the wine matured for a minimum of 12 months in a combination of stainless steel and cement vats, chosen to maintain freshness while allowing structure and varietal character to develop. The process concluded with at least three months of bottle ageing, ensuring full aromatic integration and a balanced, refined profile at release.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red in colour with purple reflections, this wine opens with aromas of raspberries, Mediterranean scrub and forest fruits. Medium bodied on the palate, it is well-balanced with a plush tannin structure.