Cannonau Wine Route – Sardinia: red hills, ancient vineyards and the breath of time between Barbagia, Ogliastra and Nuorese. The Cannonau Wine Route crosses the most intimate heart of Sardinia, winding through the reliefs of Barbagia, the limestone plains of Nuoro and the sunny slopes of Ogliastra. In this harsh and solemn landscape Cannonau is born, the symbolic wine of the island, an authentic expression of a thousand-year-old territory and a deep culture. The vines, often sapling-shaped, tell stories of resilience, longevity and ancestral bond with the land. 🍇 A vine as old as the island: Cannonau is one of the oldest vines in the Mediterranean, cultivated for centuries in the inland areas of Sardinia. Its grapes give life to intense reds, rich in body, tannins and aromas of scrub, red fruits and spices. The warm, breezy microclimate and poor soils contribute to a production of great character, often from very old vines in almost heroic conditions. 👉 Tip: Taste a Cannonau Riserva aged in wood: perfect with aged cheeses and savory dishes of the Barbagia tradition. 🏞️ Stone villages and vineyards as far as the eye can see: The road touches villages rich in charm and tradition such as Jerzu, Oliena, Dorgali, Mamoiada and Orgosolo, where wine blends with local identity. The vineyards climb the hills, among murals, nuraghi and shepherds. Each village preserves a winery, an ancient knowledge, a ritual to tell. 👉 Tip: Stroll through Mamoiada during autumn: the scent of must fills the streets and the houses open to welcome visitors. 🚶 Itineraries between wine, art and living stone: In addition to wine, the Cannonau Road is an invitation to discover rock art, murals, menhirs and nuraghi. Walking, cycling or horseback riding routes connect wineries, nature trails and ethnographic museums, in an authentic and timeless Sardinia. 👉 Tip: Organize a tour between Oliena and Orgosolo with tasting in the cellar and a visit to an artisan workshop: the best way to get in tune with the land and its people. 🍽️ Pairings and Sardinian cuisine of substance: Cannonau perfectly accompanies the intense flavors of traditional cuisine: roasted porceddu, aged pecorino, culurgiones, carasau bread with new oil, and desserts such as sebadas with wild honey. Each combination tells of a world made of patience, seasonality and conviviality. 👉 Tip: Try a young Cannonau with mountain cured meats and crusty bread: simple, but deeply territorial. 🎉 Wine festivals and rural hospitality: During the year, the Cannonau Road comes alive with festivals, festivals, open cellars and moments of sharing. Among the most famous, Autumn in Barbagia and the events of Mamoiada, where the wine flows between masks, songs and lit fires. It is a total experience, which combines territory, culture and community spirit. 👉 Tip: Visit during "Cortes Apertas": the producers' houses open, you can taste among the vineyards and tell stories over a full glass. The Cannonau Road is a journey into the deep heart of Sardinia, where every sip of wine is root, memory and horizon.