Sos Usos - Gostolai
The Sos Usos wine represents the deepest and most ancestral essence of the Gostolai winery, a winemaking project founded in 1988 from Tonino Arcadu's vision of preserving the liquid identity of Oliena. The name of this cuvée explicitly recalls the customs and traditions of the past, highlighting the intention to restore the unbreakable bond between people and their land. We are in the heart of Barbagia, where viticulture challenges the slopes of the limestone massif of Mount Corrasi and benefits from a microclimate characterised by significant diurnal temperature variations, essential for optimal polyphenolic ripening and the longevity of the wines.
The decision to focus on this specific terroir stems from the awareness that only by respecting natural rhythms is it possible to produce a Cannonau di Sardegna capable of standing out for its character and elegance. The cultivation of the historic vineyards is based on exceptionally low yields, ensuring that every bunch is a concentrated expression of balanced sugars and aromas. In the cellar, Gostolai's philosophy rejects industrial standardisation, focusing entirely on the exclusive use of naturally selected indigenous yeasts. This artisanal approach allows spontaneous fermentations to take place while preserving the integrity of the original fruit and imparting distinctive sensory nuances that cannot be replicated.
The extended maceration ensures optimal extraction of colour and a dense yet silky tannic structure, an essential prerequisite for the Riserva designation. The wine is aged in barriques for twelve months, where it develops by integrating tertiary aromas with the freshness of the primary fruit. The result is a deep ruby-red wine with garnet reflections. On the nose, aromas of blackberry preserve, cherries in liqueur and sweet pepper emerge, a characteristic note of the area, accompanied by hints of Mediterranean maquis and asphodel wood.
On the palate, the structure is imposing and warm, supported by a mineral savouriness that cleanses the finish, leaving lingering notes of dark spices and woodland undergrowth. A historical detail that further enhances the value of this wine is its connection with the term Nepente di Oliena, made famous by Gabriele D'Annunzio, who celebrated the strength of this wine by describing it as capable of driving away melancholy. Choosing this wine means bringing the history of Sardinia to the table: a wine that pairs exceptionally well with roasted red meats and aged cheeses, offering an authentic sensory experience of outstanding character and quality.
