Cardedu ‘Praja’ Monica di Sardegna

Nope, this grape isn’t named for a Friends character. Monica is an indigenous grape variety from Sardegna (possibly with Spanish origins). The vineyards of Cardedu (car-DAY-do) are in the area of Ogliastra, the most mountainous and least populous province on the island. ‘Praja’ is the Sardinian word for the Italian ‘spiaggia’, or ‘beach’, which is one of the many places you can enjoy this wine. It’s the kind of light red wine that takes well to a slight chilling down; it’s dry, moderate alcohol, and earthy, with just a touch of fruit. Drink it as an aperitivo or with lighter grilled fare (seafood, vegetables, poultry). ORGANIC.