Cannonau di Jerzu: The Story of the Mediterranean's Oldest Wine

Cannonau di Jerzu is far more than a wine: it is a living document of Sardinian history, a red thread connecting the Nuragic age to the present, the land to the health of those who inhabit it. Jerzu, perched on the limestone tacchi of Ogliastra, is the undisputed capital of this ancient grape variety.

Thousand-Year-Old Origins

Archaeological research has uncovered seeds of vitis vinifera at Nuragic sites in Ogliastra, dated to around 1200 BC. Cannonau is therefore probably the oldest grape variety in the Mediterranean, predating Greek and Phoenician varieties. Some scholars argue that it was carried from Sardinia eastward, rather than the other way around — a revolutionary theory that overturns the traditional narrative.

The name: Its etymology is uncertain. Some theories link it to the Spanish "cañonazo" (cannon shot), suggesting Iberian influence during the Aragonese rule of the 14th–16th centuries. Other hypotheses point to pre-Roman roots.

Antichi Poderi di Jerzu

The Cantina Antichi Poderi di Jerzu, founded in 1950, today gathers more than 500 member growers and produces millions of bottles a year. It is one of the most important cooperative wineries in Sardinia.

The Flagship Labels

• Josto Miglior — pure Cannonau DOC, aged in oak for 12 months
• Marghia — a fresher expression, vinified without wood to highlight the fruit
• Riserva — a selection of the finest grapes with extended ageing
• Incantu — Cannonau Passito, a rare sweet wine made from over-ripened grapes

The winery organises guided tours throughout the year, tasting included. The wine shop is open at weekends too.

The Link with Longevity

Ogliastra is one of the five Blue Zones in the world — geographical areas where the percentage of centenarians is statistically anomalous. Jerzu and the surrounding municipalities concentrate a density of supercentenarians unmatched anywhere in Europe.

Scientists have identified several contributing factors:

• Rigorous Mediterranean diet with pulses, pane carasau, vegetables — and red wine
• Daily physical activity well into old age (shepherds, farmers)
• Low stress and strong community ties
• Genetics — some families carry rare variants associated with longevity

Cannonau contains levels of procyanidins (polyphenol antioxidants) three to four times higher than French or Californian wines. Procyanidins protect arterial walls and contribute to cardiovascular health. Drinking Cannonau in moderation — a glass with meals — is an integral part of the Ogliastra way of life.

What the Science Says

The study "Sardinian wine and longevity", published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2007), was among the first to systematically correlate Cannonau consumption with longevity. Subsequent research by the University of Cagliari confirmed the grape variety's exceptional antioxidant profile, attributable to intense sun exposure and the poor granite soils that stress the vine into producing protective polyphenols.

Calici di Stelle

Every August, Jerzu hosts Calici di Stelle (Glasses of Stars), a national event celebrating wine under the summer sky. The streets of the historic centre are transformed into a food and wine trail: open cellars, music, crafts, and tastings of Cannonau paired with typical Ogliastra products.

The event draws thousands of visitors and represents the most vibrant moment of the year for the village.

Food Pairings

Cannonau di Jerzu, with its tannic structure and aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and Mediterranean scrubland, pairs perfectly with:

• Red meats — roast lamb, Sardinian suckling pig, wild boar stew
• Aged cheeses — Sardinian Pecorino DOP, Fiore Sardo cave-aged
• Game — hare alla cacciatora, larks wrapped in bacon
• Pasta with meat sauce — malloreddus with sausage ragù, fregola with clams

Serving temperature: 16–18°C. Uncork at least 30 minutes before serving for aged wines.

How to Visit Jerzu

Jerzu is 25 km from Tortolì–Arbatax. The scenic SS 198 road passes through terraced vineyards and offers spectacular views of the limestone tacchi. The Antichi Poderi winery is at the entrance to the village and welcomes visitors every weekday. Weekend visits are recommended by prior booking.