Audarya Monica di Sardegna | 2023

Monica is all about warm-climate elegance. It’s one of Sardinia’s oldest and most widely planted red varieties, yet it remains surprisingly obscure outside the island. Audarya’s version is a good example of why the grape deserves more attention. The wine balances its sundae of berries with the outdoorsy charm of the Mediterranean. The fruit comes from Serdiana, in the Parteolla hills just north of Cagliari, where calcareous soil and cooling influences from the Gulf of Cagliari stretch the growing season well into October. At 13.5% alcohol, it lands in the sweet spot—medium-bodied, zingy, and versatile. A total winner for the price point, everyone should be drinking more Monica. ~Allegra Angelo