Monica di Sardegna

The Protected Designation of Origin "Monica di Sardegna" identifies the homonymous red wine and its variants Superiore and Sparkling.

Grapes

For the production of Monica di Sardegna wines, at least 85% of the grapes used must come from vineyards that are made up by Monica vines. For the remaining part, which must not exceed 15%, other black grapes, suitable for cultivation in Sardegna, may be added.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

Monica di Sardegna wines have quite marked common characteristics. The appearance is a pleasant ruby red, which in the basic and superior versions, with aging, can turn to amaranth. The aroma is intense, ethereal and pleasant. The flavor is dry (also sweet in the base version and in the Sparkling one) and savory, enhanced by a characteristic aftertaste. In terms of minimum total alcoholic strength by volume, it varies from 11% vol. in the basic version and in the Sparkling wine to 12.5% vol. in the Superiore.

Grape production area

The production area coincides with the entire island of Sardegna. A wide and varied territory, which is characterized, however, by a mild climate, because of the presence of the sea, which is never more than fifty kilometers far.

Specificity and historical notes

There are very different historical reconstructions about the origins of the Monica vine. There are those who consider it an imported vine, attributing its paternity alternately to the Moors or the Spanish. Others, such as Mameli, believe instead that it is a vine that originated locally.


Source: MIPAAF - Ministry of agricultural, food and forestry policies