I’m always distracted. If I’m not paying attention in my algorithms lecture, I’m reading about the soils of Beaujolais. If I’m not paying attention in a work meeting, I’m recounting the grand cru vineyards of Alsace’s Bas-Rhin in my head. If I’m actively not putting this presentation together on Champagne producers, I’m typing about a grape I’ve never tried before. Daddy needs some positive stimuli in this gross whirlwind and this wine happens to be today’s diversion.

Picked this up during yesterday’s session of exercise, which literally just involved me walking 30 minutes to an inconveniently located grocery store and back home. Counting the previous night’s steps on an app the day after dancing at a nightclub obviously isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Monica is found all over Sardinia – 3rd most planted to Cannonau and Vermentino – and the grape seems to border on numerous Malvasia-like permutations and false synonyms; the fact that it transformed from a sweet and fortified wine component in the 19th century to a slightly unexciting high-yielding variety in the 20th century gives reason for my mouth to brace for any signs of boredom. I *did* have Champagne yesterday, so maybe my tongue deserves to be knocked down a peg.

Cardedu 2018 “Praja” (Sardinia, Italy) May 2020. $20 USD.
Slightly hazy ruby with an intoxicating nose of black pepper, sour cherries, earth, and a touch of strawberry balsamic jam. A little more juicier on the palate than the nose would have you believe, with sandy tannins and food-friendly acid. Really easy-going yet with some interest, in the vein of funky Beaujolais or lighthearted Loire reds.