Cantina Mesa, IGT Isola dei Nuraghi (Italy) 2010

Made from the Carignano del Sulcis grape, the local name for Carignan grown in the Sulcis region of southwestern Sardinia, Buio Buio is a name to remember.  For a vigorous and robust red, it has surprising finesse.  It’s a cunning combination of ripe spiced fruit and savory, almost bitter, notes. Though it has a lush texture, there’s sufficient backbone — tannins and acidity — that makes it ideal with slow-cooked meats.