Argiolas Perdera Monica Di Sardegna 2021

Region: Sardinia, Italy

Grape Variety: Monica

Like the Muscadet/Melon above, this wine made from the Monica grape fits our official theme of lighter body but flavorful. It is also a variety that has been overlooked for centuries but the potential is now being recognized by a few producers aiming for a lighter red wine that can even be chilled. Our example comes from the Argiolas family and their vineyards on the island of Sardinia, where they have been standard bearers of quality for 3 generations.

Little is known about the Monica grape, although legend supports that it was carried from Spain along with Garnacha, which is locally known as Cannonau. It is a variety that produces a lot of grapes per vine so historically it was relegated to bulk wine production. A few years ago producers started isolating their oldest vines and discovered a beautiful, lighter red wine that fits the lower ABV profile but has tons of flavor.

This example screams summer cookouts, with notes of cooked cherries, strawberry fruit and graphite. On the palate it is very juicy and fresh, with a kiss of sun dried herbs and very little in the way of tannin or acidity. Put a chill on this and drink poolside with chicken kabobs marinated in herbs de Provence or swordfish cooked finished with olive oil and lemon juice.