Unlike the other Monica, this Monica does not get attention by sporting tatoos, blond wigs and skimpy outfits.
This girl is a good mademoiselle from the South of Italy, the island of Sardinia to be precise.
A lesser known grape, this Monica according to Sardinia.net is thought to have its origins in Spain and was first called Morillo. Sardinia.net offers details on other Sardinian grapes including Cannonau which I recommend if you are looking for intense flavors.
The Monica I tasted was the Antigua
‘Monica di Sardegna’ (2004) from Cantina Santadi (winery pictured here).
This red wine is earthy and rich, not heavy but with a nice pair of legs. It is actually 85% Monica and 15% Carignane and retails around $11.
Cantina Santadi benefits from the talents of winemaker Giacomo Tachis better known for his work at Sassicaia.
Other Italian tales: Aglianico, Drop the Merlot and Grom Gelato, same as it ever was