Tenores stays in tune

A great Cannonau that Alessandro Dettori interpreted in his own way to offer us an elegant wine full of personality right from its first (spectacular) vintage.

Practically everything that can be said has been said about Alessandro Dettori, Badde Nigolosu and its wines. He was one of the first to practice sustainable winegrowing in Sardinia and in 2009 his estate was certified biodynamic. It is located in the extraordinarily beautiful area of Romangia. The strict and consistent production methods adopted quickly produced results and Badde Nigolosu wines soon gained an international reputation.

The wines, all produced using native Sardinian varietals, are made without using chemicals in the vineyards and in the winery no select years nor sulfites are used nor is there any clarification of filtering of the wine. The wine exclusively ferments and matures in cement vats. Of the three Cannonau wines produced, we had the opportunity to have a vertical tasting of Tenores. It is made with grapes from a 5.5-hectare vineyard that has a predominately chalky soil with vines that are between 60 and 90 years old.

Tenores 2014

Made from Cannonau grapes and matured in cement vats for 30 months. The product of one of the best harvests in Sardinia in recent years, this 2014 does not disappoint. It has a bright, ruby color with irradiative scents of aromatic herbs and spice with delicate nuances of tobacco and black pepper. The wrapping mouthfeel is still very young with juicy and very elegant tannins and a bracing and long finish.

97/100

Tenores 2012

Bottles of Badde Nigolosu are sometimes quite variable. Unfortunately, this bottle did not perform well compared to other occasions. Here the spicy notes and small black fruits are clear, accompanied by a lashing sprinkling of Mediterranean scrub. The palate is slender, slightly edgy but with good tannins.  For all these reasons, we take the liberty of not scoring this vintage. 

Tenores 2009

The heat of this year did not in any way limit his wine’s elegance and freshness. Added to the complexity of the aromas are boldness, balance and dynamism. The tannins are perfect and the (slightly bubbly) finish is lively and taut.

93/100

Tenores 2003

One of the surprises of the tasting. No one can forget how torrid this year was and at the start the wine seems to reflect this somewhat. But little by little it comes into focus, becomes refreshing and very complex and balanced. The tannins are pure silk and the finish is long and flavorful with great integrity.

95/100

Tenores 2001

A very bold version starting with its literally explosive aromas of Mediterranean shrubs and spice. The mouthfeel is broad, wrapping and warm with very sweet tannins and a soft and fresh finish.

94/100

Tenores 2000

This was the first vintage produced and, after 18 years, its remarkable debut is nothing compared to what this spectacular Cannonau is today. The bouquet is pure Badde Nigolosu: thyme, marjoram, rockrose and spice. The mouthfeel’s elegance, freshness and integrity make it extraordinary, with very sweet tannins and an endless finish. A marvel.

98/100

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