{"title":"Sella \u0026 Mosca","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"sella-mosca-cannonau-di-sardegna-riserva","title":"Sella \u0026 Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSella \u0026amp; Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 13.5% ABV Sardinian red wine made from 100% Cannonau grapes under the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC. This Riserva earned the #44 spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2021 and has received 91 points from Vinous, signaling serious critical recognition for a wine at its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Sardinia, Italy  |  Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva  |  Producer: Sella \u0026amp; Mosca\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSella \u0026amp; Mosca is one of Sardinia's most established wine estates, founded in 1899 in the northwestern corner of the island near Alghero. The Cannonau Riserva is crafted from 100% Cannonau — the Sardinian name for Grenache — fermented on its skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats between 64°F and 82°F, then aged for six months in barrel before release. Winemaker Giovanni Pinna oversees a style that prioritizes freshness and varietal purity over heavy extraction, a deliberate contrast to the richer, more tannic expressions found elsewhere on the island. The warm, sea-influenced summers of Sardinia concentrate the fruit, while earlier harvesting relative to many mainland Grenache wines preserves bright acidity and red-berry vibrancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh roses and dried flowers lead, followed by layers of cardamom, wild strawberry, and a whisper of dried herbs. The bouquet is lifted and inviting without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is silky and cool-toned, with pureed raspberry and dried cherry forming a concentrated mid-palate core. Wild sage and citrus peel emerge as the wine opens, underscored by a subtle streak of salinity that keeps the fruit grounded. Mineral-tinged red and blue fruits gain inner sweetness toward the close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with soft, polished tannins and a lingering touch of spice. A faint saline note carries through, leaving the palate clean and refreshed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cannonau Riserva\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Riserva drinks beautifully at cellar temperature — around 60–64°F — poured into a large-bowled glass that lets the floral aromatics bloom. It responds well to 20 minutes of air before the first pour. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its herbal depth and salinity stand up to cola's sweetness with unexpected complexity. It also works in a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, contributing dried cherry and sage character without getting lost among citrus and brandy. A simple \u003cstrong\u003ered wine spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and an orange twist makes a lighter warm-weather option that highlights its natural freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight Italian dinners featuring tomato-based pastas or roasted vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a wine-curious friend to serious Sardinian reds without overwhelming tannin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Mediterranean wine collection alongside Rhône and Southern French reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with charcuterie boards anchored by aged pecorino and cured meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cannonau Riserva taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers dried cherry, pureed raspberry, and wild sage with a saline mineral undertone and soft, polished tannins. The profile is fresh and medium-bodied rather than heavy, with a spiced, clean finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cannonau Riserva compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are Grenache-dominant, but Sella \u0026amp; Mosca's Cannonau Riserva tends toward brighter red fruit and Mediterranean salinity, while Châteauneuf-du-Pape typically shows riper, darker fruit with herbal notes of dried oregano and tobacco leaf at a significantly higher price point. The Sardinian bottling is harvested earlier, preserving more acidity and freshness than most Southern Rhône Grenache.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cannonau Riserva good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced acidity, medium body, and layered aromatics of roses, strawberry, and sage make it an engaging standalone pour, especially with a slight chill and some time to breathe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cannonau Riserva made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Sella \u0026amp; Mosca, a historic estate founded in 1899 near Alghero in northwestern Sardinia, Italy. The wine is classified under the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC, a designation exclusive to the island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cannonau Riserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted lamb seasoned with rosemary complements its herbal character. Aged pecorino sardo mirrors the wine's Sardinian origin and saline edge. Pasta with slow-cooked pork ragù echoes its dried cherry and spice notes. Grilled eggplant and red pepper dishes play off its medium weight, and cured salami or coppa aligns with its soft tannin structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cannonau Riserva come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cannonau Riserva worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a strong value within the Riserva category — a DOC-classified, barrel-aged Sardinian red with multiple 90-plus-point scores that competes well above its weight against pricier Grenache-based wines from Southern France and Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cannonau Riserva?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanding at #44 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2021 is a distinction few wines at this price tier achieve, and it reflects a consistent level of quality rather than a single exceptional vintage. The combination of stainless steel fermentation and six months of barrel aging produces a wine that retains the grape's natural floral lift and red-fruit brightness while adding just enough structure and complexity to justify the Riserva designation. Sardinia's Cannonau grape — genetically identical to Grenache but shaped by island terroir, sea breezes, and diurnal temperature swings — yields a flavor profile distinctly its own: more saline, more herbal, and more immediate than most mainland versions. For anyone exploring Mediterranean reds beyond the Rhône and Priorat, this bottling is a logical and rewarding next step.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sella \u0026 Mosca","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836860788905,"sku":"21130","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Sella-Mosca-Cannonau-di-Sardegna-Riserva__64689.jpg?v=1730473297"},{"product_id":"sella-mosca-la-cala-vermentino","title":"Sella \u0026 Mosca La Cala Vermentino","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSella \u0026amp; Mosca La Cala Vermentino\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Vermentino white wine from Sardinia, Italy, bottled at 12.5% ABV in a 750ml format. This Vermentino di Sardegna DOC expression has earned up to 92 points from James Suckling across multiple vintages, establishing it as one of the island's most consistently praised white wines at its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Alghero, Sardinia, Italy  |  Vermentino di Sardegna DOC  |  Producer: Sella \u0026amp; Mosca\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSella \u0026amp; Mosca is one of Sardinia's largest and most historic wine estates, founded in 1899 in Alghero on the island's northwestern coast. La Cala is sourced from vineyards planted in lime- and clay-rich soils shaped by the salt-laden mistral winds that sweep across the Mediterranean — conditions that amplify both the savory and fruity dimensions of the Vermentino grape. The grapes undergo soft pressing and cold settling before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 64°F (18°C), followed by a brief rest in steel prior to bottling. This reductive winemaking approach preserves the grape's bright aromatics and coastal mineral character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with fresh citrus peel and sliced pear before moving into apple blossom and quince. A subtle mineral thread runs beneath, accented by hints of white flowers and Mediterranean garrigue — the aromatic scrubland surrounding the estate's vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate is crisp and bright with golden apple and lemon. The mid-palate reveals a surprisingly velvety texture that balances the wine's natural acidity, while a saline, almost iodine-tinged minerality builds toward the finish. Tropical fruit notes emerge as the wine warms slightly in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and elegant, carrying persistent fruity aromas alongside a clean, saline quality. A lingering seashell-like minerality recalls the coastal terroir of Alghero.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink La Cala Vermentino\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe well chilled at 46–50°F to highlight its mineral freshness and citrus aromatics. This is a wine that shines on its own as an aperitif but performs equally well at the table. For a spritz-style serve, combine with sparkling water and a grapefruit twist for a low-ABV refresher. It works beautifully in a classic \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with stone fruits and fresh herbs, letting the Vermentino's floral character carry the drink. A simple \u003cstrong\u003eHugo Cocktail\u003c\/strong\u003e variation — substituting La Cala for prosecco alongside elderflower liqueur and mint — showcases its botanical side. It also pairs naturally with a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its acidity and salinity hold up against dilution better than softer whites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather patio drinking with seafood appetizers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a wine-curious friend to Sardinian whites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a full Italian coastal dinner spread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a weeknight rotation with a reliable, critic-approved bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does La Cala Vermentino taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e La Cala Vermentino delivers crisp golden apple, lemon, and pear flavors layered over a distinctive saline minerality. The texture is surprisingly soft for such a fresh wine, with a long finish carrying iodine and seashell-like notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does La Cala Vermentino compare to Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both share bright acidity and citrus character, but La Cala trades Sauvignon Blanc's grassy, herbaceous intensity for a rounder mouthfeel and Mediterranean salinity. The coastal mineral quality and subtle tropical fruit of Vermentino give it a distinctly different personality from most Loire or New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs La Cala Vermentino good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Its approachable fruit, moderate 12.5% ABV, and clean acidity make it an excellent entry point for anyone exploring Italian white wines or the Vermentino grape. The wine rewards casual sipping without requiring deep knowledge to enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is La Cala Vermentino made?\u003c\/strong\u003e La Cala is produced by Sella \u0026amp; Mosca at their estate in Alghero, on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, Italy. The wine carries the Vermentino di Sardegna DOC designation, indicating it meets the appellation's quality and regional standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with La Cala Vermentino?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled branzino or sea bass, where the wine's salinity mirrors the fish's coastal character. Raw oysters and clams, which echo the seashell-like minerality on the finish. Lemon-dressed calamari or shrimp, complementing the citrus notes. Pesto pasta, where the herbal quality plays against the wine's floral aromatics. Aged pecorino sardo cheese from Sardinia, creating a regional pairing with textural contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does La Cala Vermentino come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sella \u0026amp; Mosca La Cala Vermentino is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs La Cala Vermentino worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e La Cala positions as an entry-level expression within Sella \u0026amp; Mosca's portfolio and the broader Sardinian Vermentino category, yet it consistently earns scores of 90–92 points from critics including James Suckling, Wine Spectator, and Falstaff. That critical consistency at its price tier represents strong value for a DOC-designated Italian white.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy La Cala Vermentino?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates La Cala from the crowded field of Mediterranean white wines is the specificity of its terroir — the combination of lime-clay soils and persistent mistral winds in Alghero creates a saline, mineral-driven Vermentino that tastes unmistakably of its coastal origin. Multiple vintages scoring 92 points from James Suckling and 92 from Falstaff demonstrate this is not a one-off success but a consistently well-made wine. Sella \u0026amp; Mosca's 125-year winemaking heritage on the island lends depth to the project, and their temperature-controlled stainless steel approach ensures vintage-to-vintage reliability. For anyone seeking a food-friendly, terroir-expressive Italian white without venturing into premium pricing, La Cala remains one of Sardinia's most dependable ambassadors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sella \u0026 Mosca","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836860854441,"sku":"21131","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/sella-mosca.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}