Monica is a grape indigenous to Sardinia. This lovely, traditional Monica from the Loi family’s Cardedu winery hails from the most mountainous and least populated sector of the island. Here the vineyards are planted near cliffs that go straight down to the Mediterranean Sea and capture the salty sea breeze. Transparent garnet in the glass, Cardedu’s Praja casts aromas of figs, dried cherries, licorice, golden raisins, and smoky minerals. Bright and lively on the palate, Cardedu’s Praja layers the palate with chewy black cherry, pomegranate, and fig fruit. The Praja finishes fresh, zesty, and stunningly refreshing – especially after a slight chill – with chewy tannins adding rusticity, charm, and appetizingly bitter dimension. The wine begs to be paired with barbecued meats and vegetables, pizzas, and pasta dishes dressed with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. This is a perfect choice for pairing with antipasti, charcuterie, sardines, olives, and lighter fare. If that’s not enough, the importer asserts that Monica is the natural partner to fregula, Sardinia’s couscous-like toasted pasta.
