winemaker's notes:
PRODUCTION AREA
Hillside vineyards, owned by the producer, situated in the commune of Guamaggiore, near Selegas, 200 metres above sea level.
COMPOSITION OF THE SOIL
Good clay-chalk structure, on gently sloping hillsides, with excellent exposure to sun and wind. Annual rainfall not exceeding 550 mm.
VARIETIES OF GRAPE
90 Monica with a blend of Carignano and Bovale sardo; Yield: approximately 1.5 kg per vine-stock.
CLIMATE
Typically Mediterranean, with mild winters, low rainfall and veryhot summers with considerable wind.
HARVEST
Grapes are picked manually during the early morning hours by expert personnel who perform initial rigorous selection.
VINIFICATION TECHNIQUE
The long days of sunshine and soft winds for almost the full period of growth, development of colour, maturation and harvesting ensure that the grapes reach the winery in excellent condition, at full flavour and colour. Vinification takes place by means of normal pressing, cooling of the must to 27 - 28° C and a fermentation cycle of 8 -10 days, including maceration. Since the grapes are usually very rich in tannin andanthocyanin, remontage is limited. Malo-lactic fermentation occurs easily and is brief. Storage is at cool canteen temperature.
TASTING NOTE
Colour: medium intensity ruby red, typical of the traditional Monica grape. Bouquet: pronounced, intense, characteristic. Palate: medium bodied as a result of its low fixed acid content and its well polymerised noble tannins and natural richness. Aftertaste tending to sweet, which is typical of Monica grapes from tree-vines.
user reviews:
A Customer - Los Angeles, CA
We paired this wine with rare filet mignon at a Spanish restauarant. Found the wine to have an excellent chocolaty aroma and a full bodied taste that was sublime. Hands down, one of the best wines we've tried in the past year -- and this includes those of Napa, Sonoma, Italy, France and Sardinia.