Pala “I Fiori” Monica 2018
Pala I Fiori Monica
Grapes: 100% Monica
ABV: 12%
Winemaker: Mario Pala
Viniculture: organic viticulture
Winemaking: Native yeast fermentation, aging in steel tank
“You may as well be on a sailing yacht while you drink this.”
I had never tasted anything like this before. So floral, so aromatic, and so approachable all at once. Monica is a grape native to the island of Sardinia, and like many island wines it, reminds you of the Mediterranean.
I pick up this glass and smell lavender, myrtle berries, and orange peel. It tastes so distinctive, too: raspberries, boysenberries, and more island wildflowers. A pleasant freshness but a firm, tangy finish. You may as well be on a sailing yacht pulling into the port of Cagliari while you drink this.
suggested pairings.
We’ve partnered with Megan Barone of Mixtape Pasta to both choose wines for this box and to craft recipes to pair with them.
Megan is a talented chef and a sharp wine mind who runs Mixtape, what she calls “community supported noodle culture.” Like us, she’s running a small business in a pandemic and trying to survive. She’s helped so many people make memories with her stellar recipes.
We’re excited for you to see what Mixtape Pasta is all about.
Pasta with saffron burro bianco with anchovy bread crumbs
From Megan: The Monica, hailing from Sardinia, has this almost saffron-like aroma to it, hearkening the flavors of Sardinia itself: saffron, seafood, fresh herbs. I make a gnocchetti sardi flavored with saffron called malloreddus that would be amazing with this preparation, but simple spaghetti is perfectly fine.
Music: “Two Against One (feat. Jack White)” by DJ Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi
Another mild nod towards classic Spaghetti Westerns, this one features Jack White’s twangy voice and some great layered production.
Learn with the Circle
Join us on Youtube as we discuss the nuances of this wine and all the fun things that make it unique.
- Jackson