What kind of wine is Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden box)
The Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca is a fortified wine with Sardinian origins, made from Cannonau grapes, the island's most emblematic red grape variety. It is a sweet fortified wine, conceptually similar to types such as Port and Marsala, characterized by a higher alcohol content compared to traditional red wines, around 18-19% vol. This gives it body, warmth, and a very long aging potential.
Vintage Details
The 2008 vintage is considered one of Sella & Mosca's most balanced productions, thanks to a warm but ventilated summer that favored perfect grape drying. Cannonau grapes are harvested at an advanced stage of ripeness and left to dry for about 15-20 days on cane racks, a traditional Sardinian technique that concentrates sugars and aromas, creating a rich and velvety must.
Winemaking and Aging
After fermentation, the wine is "fortified," meaning enriched with a small amount of alcohol to preserve its natural sweetness and increase its alcohol content. This is followed by a long aging in large oak barrels for at least 5 years, during which the wine develops complexity and refinement. This aging gives Anghelu Ruju its typical aromatic intensity and that pleasant roundness that makes it unique.
Tasting Notes
The Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca is a wine of great personality, capable of surprising with its richness of aromas and velvety structure.
Color
It presents a deep, almost impenetrable ruby red color, which over time evolves towards garnet tones, typical of mature and long-aged fortified wines.
Nose
On the nose, it reveals extraordinary complexity: notes of brandied cherries, dried plums, and blackberry jam intertwine with tertiary hints of sweet spices, vanilla, cocoa, and toasted wood. The evolution in the barrel bestows ethereal and refined aromas, inviting a taste.
Palate
On the palate, it is warm, enveloping, and harmonious. The taste is sweet but well-balanced by a pleasant spicy vein and a finish reminiscent of dark chocolate and toasted almonds. The aftertaste is long and persistent, a distinctive sign of great meditation fortified wines.
What dishes to pair with Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden box)
This wine finds its perfect place as a companion for relaxing moments after a meal, but it can also elegantly accompany desserts and aged cheeses. Recommended pairings include:
- Typical Sardinian dry pastries, such as amaretti and papassini
- Dark chocolate or chocolate-based cakes
- Blue or aged cheeses, such as spicy Gorgonzola or mature Sardinian Pecorino
- A simple meditation in a glass, served at a slightly cool temperature
Storage and Aging: how to store Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden box)
Thanks to its high alcohol content and residual sugar, Anghelu Ruju is a wine with extraordinary longevity. It can be stored for many years without losing quality; in fact, it improves in aromatic complexity. To maintain its elegance:
- Store it horizontally, in a cool place away from direct light
- The ideal temperature is between 14 and 18°C, with controlled humidity
- Once the bottle is opened, it is advisable to seal it tightly and consume it within a few weeks
The presentation in a wooden box not only enhances the wine's value but also provides additional protection, making it a perfect choice for a refined gift or to enrich your collection of meditation wines.
Sella & Mosca
The history of the Sella & Mosca winery Sella & Mosca is a winery that boasts a centuries-old tradition, a rich cultural heritage, and continuous innovations in the world of wine. Founded in 1899 in Sardinia by two pioneers from Northern Italy, this winery has successfully combined local ...
How to best open and serve Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden case)
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden case), position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This way, any sediment, typical of aged wines, will settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the liquid when served.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
This Sardinian fortified wine best expresses its characteristics when served at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. If the bottle is stored in a cellar, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Opening the Bottle
Use a lever or screw corkscrew for a delicate opening. Carefully remove the capsule and clean the neck of the bottle. Insert the corkscrew screw into the cork centrally and evenly to avoid breakage. Slowly extract the cork, trying not to shake it excessively: aged wines deserve attention and precise movements.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, observe the cork: it should not have unpleasant odors or mold. Pour a small amount of wine into a glass to check that no excessive oxidation notes emerge on the nose. The Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden case) should offer intense and complex aromas of dried fruit, sweet spices, and evolved notes typical of its long maturation.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Decanting is a fundamental step to enhance a wine of this vintage. Slowly pour the contents into a decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and checking the wine's passage with a candle or light, so as to stop before the sediment reaches the decanter.
- Allow the wine to oxygenate for approximately 30-45 minutes before serving.
- Do not shake the wine: gradual contact with air is sufficient to release complex aromas and round out the tannins.
6. Serving
For tasting, use large glasses that allow the wine to best express its aromatic notes. Pour a moderate amount to encourage oxygenation in the glass. This fortified wine pairs wonderfully with dry desserts, blue cheeses, or moments of meditation after a meal.
7. Storage After Opening
After serving the Alghero Rosso Liquoroso DOC “Anghelu Ruju” 2008 - Sella & Mosca (wooden case), reseal the bottle with an airtight stopper. Store it in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. Consume the wine within 3-5 days to preserve its aromas and structure.