Monica

Also known as Monica di Sardegna, Niedda.

Monica is a Sardinian red grape grown across much of the island, giving soft, approachable reds and the basis of the island-wide Monica di Sardegna DOC as well as Monica di Cagliari. Its precise origins are uncertain, sometimes linked to a Spanish introduction, but it is now a distinctively Sardinian variety.

It produces medium-bodied, fruity, low-to-moderate-tannin reds with red-berry and light spicy character, generally made for early, easy drinking, though richer and sweet/liquoroso versions also exist.