Why Cannonau Wine is Sardinia’s Secret to Longevity
WWMD: What Would Margaret Drink?
Cannonau — Sardinia’s Secret to a Long, Good Life
Margaret Pearman, certified sommelier and wine director at Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, knows how to pick a bottle that pairs flavor with story. This month, her spotlight is on Cannonau — a bold, peppery red from Sardinia, one of the world’s five Blue Zones where people live remarkably long, healthy lives. But this isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s about a slower pace, plant-based meals, and wine as part of a joyful, balanced lifestyle. Cannonau is rich in polyphenols, smooth enough to enjoy every day, and deeply tied to the culture of this Mediterranean island. Ready to sip like a Sardinian? Margaret has your pour.
Just off Italy’s western coast, Sardinia sits in the Mediterranean like it’s got all the time in the world. The island is one of only five places in the world recognized as a blue zone, where people routinely live well into their 90s and beyond, often without the health problems that usually come with age. One thing they all seem to have in common is a daily glass of cannonau.
Cannonau is Sardinia’s version of Grenache, a red wine that’s bold and a little peppery but still smooth enough to pair with just about anything. What sets it apart isn’t just the taste. It’s the way it fits into daily life. Sardinians don’t just drink wine. They grow the grapes by hand, make the wine with minimal fuss and enjoy it alongside plant-heavy meals, aged Pecorino cheese and laughter around the table.
It’s not just about what’s in the glass, though. The real magic seems to come from the rhythm of life: walking, working, sharing meals, staying close to family and friends. Cannonau is simply part of that picture. It also happens to be packed with polyphenols. These natural antioxidants are linked to all sorts of good things, from lowering inflammation to protecting your heart. Cannonau has more of them than most other red wines, sometimes two to three times as much.
If you want to try some for yourself, look for bottles from Sella & Mosca, one of Sardinia’s biggest producers and easy to find. For something a little more intense with even more polyphenols, check out Piero Mancini Falcale, made from grapes grown at higher elevations.
Curious about natural wine in general? Stop by The Juice Box in downtown Bluffton. It’s a new shop focused on low-intervention wines. No additives. No junk. Just the good stuff.
Raise a glass, take your time and enjoy the good life. Sardinians would approve.
