Dolia Cannonau di Sardegna 2022 Review

Takeaway

A bold Sardinian red that brings plenty of cherry and herbal notes, but its rough edges make it more of a casual sipper than a must-have.

First Thought

This week Colin brought the 2022 Dolia Cannonau di Sardegna, a $17 bottle that caught his eye as both a new grape (or so he thought) and a chance to dip back into Italian reds. Aaron and Joel were intrigued, especially when the big reveal came that Cannonau is actually Grenache under another name. Expectations were high for something full-bodied, flavorful, and maybe even longevity-boosting since this grape shows up in Sardinia’s famous Blue Zone.

Tasting NOtes

The first sniff gave off a hot hit of alcohol, almost medicinal, but that mellowed into oak and cherry with some plum and earthy tones. Once tasted, the structure felt off. The oak and herbs sat up front while the fruit had to be searched for. Medium in body, the wine leaned thin despite its 14.5% ABV, with alcohol showing strongly on the finish. A little thyme and spice appeared as it opened, but overall the balance never quite settled.

Quick Tasting Notes

• Cherry
• Plum
• Oak and earth
• Herbal notes (thyme, Mediterranean spice)
• Alcohol-driven finish

Highlights

Price Check
At $17, it sits in that risky middle ground. Not bad for trying something new, but there are stronger bottles at the same price point.

What’s Inside
Despite its Sardinian name, this is Grenache through and through, just showing a different face thanks to climate and style.

Decanting Tip
Give it plenty of air or run it through an aerator. It helped soften the alcohol punch and brought out more fruit.

Final Verdict

Final Verdict

Joel: A Casual Sipper
He enjoyed the experience, especially imagining it with seafood. Not a go-to, but fun and worth sipping casually.

Aaron: A Casual Sipper
The complexity and price point save it, but the rough edges and alcohol-forward profile make it better suited for a mixed case than a personal favorite.

Colin: A Backup Wine
He liked the flavors but couldn’t get past the imbalance. To him, the structure felt off, making it something he wouldn’t reach for again.

Group Consensus
Not a waste of wine, but not a standout either. A casual sipper at best, with one host even calling it a backup. Worth trying if you want to explore Sardinia, but enter with caution.

And as always Stop Wasting Your Wine!