Bellesa is a Sardinian red wine Carignano del Sulcis DOC – Riserva, made exclusively from Carignano grapes produced from free-range vines by the Azienda Agricola Piede Franco in vineyards on the Island of Sant’Antioco, located in the extreme south-west of Sardinia.

The 70-year-old vineyards grow in a unique territory, surrounded by the sea, made of sands immersed in the Mediterranean maquis and lashed by mistral winds.

They are trained on dry land with 8000-9000 vines/ha and a production of 35-40 quintals per hectare.

The Carignano grapes are harvested strictly by hand to preserve their quality, usually during the fourth week of September.

In the cellar: maceration on the skins at a controlled temperature for 15 days, temperature-controlled fermentation and malolactic fermentation entirely in small steel barrels.

The wine matures in French oak barrels for 12 months and then for a further 12 months in the bottle.

Bellesa Carignano del Sulcis DOC Riserva has a brilliant ruby red colour. The nose is a complex wine, offering intense notes of Mediterranean bush and liquorice, accompanied by hints of berries and juniper.

The palate is a soft and enveloping Carignano, with a silky texture and smooth tannins, balanced freshness and a long finish.

On the table it goes perfectly with savoury earthy first courses, smoked meats, roast beef, game, wild boar, lamb and stewed meats.

It is recommended to taste at a temperature of 18 °C.