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Five
hundred meters above sea level, on the slope of a hill
wedged between mountain and sea, lies the old
agricultural village of Jerzu,
surrounded by the imposing limestone mesas of
Porcu‘e Luddu and Troiscu, flanked by the buttes of
Mammilara overlooking the wide natural amphitheatre of
Gelidi and S. Antonio, The magnificent mesa of
Corongiu, where traces of Roman and Punic settlements
have been found, dominates the mountain scenery and
sets the horizon towards the island’s heart.
The
village itself is a wide terrace overlooking the sea
it almost touches with is flatter downhill extensions
at Pelau, the site of Jerzu’s renowned Cannonau
vineyards. The archaeological treasures of the
territory, its Nuragic villages and domus de janas are
presently the object of growing attention of scholars
and experts. The
ancient name of the village (Jersu) was first recorded
on a notary act reporting the donation of a vineyard.
Other ancient documents, describe the existence
of a community tightly linked to grape growing and
Cannonau production. The modern community Wine Cellar
Complex stands at the entrance of the village; here
wine production and ageing facilities are respectful
of the authenticity of traditional techniques, the
village’s trademark and a valuable symbol for the
whole Jerzu community. Environmental
assets, winery, grapevines, history, popular
traditions and gastronomy are adequately illustrated
and documented in the Natural and Environmental Museum
in the village centre , 5 km from the SS.125, at the
pass of Genna’e Crexia. The
recently awarded title “Città del vino “ (Wine
City) acknowledges, both at national and international
level, the thoroughness in making the best of a
natural vocation based on historical authenticity.
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