Among the hills and mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, a wine is produced that has captured the attention of the scientific community. Made from the Cannonau grape variety — known elsewhere as Grenache or Garnacha — this wine has become one of the symbols of a so-called Blue Zone, a region of the world where an unusually high concentration of centenarians is found.
The concept of Blue Zones emerged in 2005 to identify communities whose populations display a life expectancy above the global average. These regions currently include Okinawa (Japan), Loma Linda (California, United States), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Sardinia (Italy), among others. Despite their cultural differences, all share lifestyle habits considered beneficial to health and longevity.
A Glass in a Healthy Setting
In Sardinia, one of those habits is the moderate consumption of wine — in particular, Cannonau. Initial studies suggest that wines produced from this grape variety may contain a concentration of flavonoids up to three times higher than the average found in other wines. These antioxidant compounds help protect the cardiovascular system, contribute to blood pressure regulation, and combat oxidative stress — factors frequently associated with healthier ageing.
Before toasting, it is common to hear the expression “A kent’anno”, meaning “may you live to 100 years”.
However, experts caution that wine alone does not account for the island’s extraordinary longevity. Cannonau forms part of a broader lifestyle that combines a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, low meat consumption, regular physical activity, strong family and community ties, and the absence of smoking.
In other words, the benefit lies not solely in wine consumption, but in its integration within a balanced diet and a healthy way of life. It is precisely this combination that continues to attract the interest of researchers and to inspire those seeking to age with quality of life. Cannonau also stands out for its vinous profile. It produces full-bodied red wines with aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, and Mediterranean herbs, offering good structure and soft tannins. It is a wine that pairs perfectly with traditional meat dishes, game, aged cheeses, and Mediterranean cuisine.
In Sardinia, there is also a tradition that reflects the cultural importance of this wine. Before raising a glass, it is common to hear the expression “A kent’anno”, meaning “may you live to 100 years”. More than a simple toast, it is a wish that encapsulates the island’s philosophy of life — one in which conviviality, moderation, and good habits walk side by side with a glass of Cannonau.
Text: Ana Mangana • Photography: D.R.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=543260
