Monica di Sardegna | Grape variety

Monica di Sardegna is an autochthonous red wine variety from Sardinia. There it was first cultivated in the area around Alghero, but later spread throughout the island by monks. Hence the name Monica, it derives from the Italian word monaca, which means monk. The grape variety is also known as Monica Nera. It yields a very dark red wine, with a full and round taste. The aftertaste has a characteristic spiciness.

Three types of wine are permitted under the Monica di Sardegna denomination: Monica Sardegna and Monica Sardegna Superiore red wines and Monica Sardegna Frizzante sparkling wine. They must be made from at least 85 percent Monica Nera grapes. In addition, 15 percent of other grape varieties may be blended, but they must also be permitted in the Sardinia region. In addition, the Monica grape is also permitted in the DOC wines Campidano di Terralba, Mandrolisai, Monica di Cagliari.

The exact origin of the ancient grape variety is unknown. It was discovered in Sardinia, but this does not mean that it appeared here for the first time. There is a persistent theory that it actually originated in Spain. There was even a suspicion that it was identical to the Spanish Mission variety. However, DNA studies have since disproved this. - Gerardo [TS03/24]

Monica di Sardegna | Grape variety | Buy at Gerardo