'Saragat' Monica is characterised by its intense notes of marasca cherry and plum with a hint of spice on the palette, which shows great balance that is underpinned by a remarkable depth and silky tannins. The palate is expressed with a taste that is soft and balanced, with hints of red fruit and well-balanced spices and sweet tannins that accompany a long and pleasant finish. This Italian wine is a brilliant ruby red with purple reflections which pairs perfectly with sauces or fish soup, but also lamb in humid, braised meats and aged cheeses especially the pecorino cheese.

About the Producer

The Fantini group was founded in 1994 by Valentino Sciotti with the aim of producing top-quality wine from Abruzzo. The enterprise was so successful that the group expanded further south in Italy and its islands. Today, the Fantini group includes Cantini Diomede, Gran Sasso, Vesevo, Vigneti del Salento, Vigneti del Vulture, Tufarello, Zabù, and Cantina Atzei, among others. Acclaimed winemaker and consultant Alberto Antonini oversees production, ensuring these wines offer great quality, varietal character and value. Their elegant and striking packaging makes them stand out on the shelf or table.

Vineyard and Winery

Monica, an indigenous grape variety, is sourced from bush-trained vineyards located in the Oristano area of southern Sardinia. The surrounding mountains create a perfect micro-climate to support vine health, even in the hottest months of the year. The soils are deep and predominantly sand, which aids drainage and helps to retain heat, producing highly aromatic wines.

After a 10-day maceration and soft pressing, the grapes were fermented using selected yeasts at a controlled temperature of 24-26°C. The wine was then ages for six months in French oak barrels and concrete tanks.

The 2023 vintage in Sardinia faced a mix of challenging weather conditions, but ultimately resulted in wines with strong character and good quality. The season started with a dry winter, which continued into a hot summer with periods of rain and unsettled weather, especially in July and August. The resulting wines have good colour and flavour concentration, offering a lighter, fresher profile than previous vintages