Pala “Oltreluna” Monica di Sardegna DOC 2022

Alcohol: 13.5%

Grape(s): 100% Monica

Localization: Sardinia, Italy

Tasting Notes: Vibrant notes of licorice and red fruit on the nose. Dry and smooth on the palate with perfect balance and length.

Notes: After debunching, whole berries are placed in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 21º for 40 days, with some punch-downs and pump-overs; frequency depends on the vintage. After alcoholic fermentation, malolactic fermentation takes place and then refinement continues in the tank where the wine rests for 3 months.

Food pairing: Delicious with lamb and pork dishes and medium-aged cheeses.

The Domain: The Pala family's estate winery and vineyards are in southeast Sardinia, between 11 meters and 250 meters high, in the hills above the Gulf of Cagliari. They've been making wine since the 1950s. However, at that time, their focus was on bulk wine until Mario Pala recognized the potential of their unique and excellent soils and climate and the value in their old vines, some over 125 years of age.

To this end, Mario lowered yields and focused on vinifying his different parcels separately. That helped to retain the uniqueness of each of his sites. He instituted organic practices and used state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. All this helped propel him to international acclaim. His wines regularly win top awards and earn high-level ratings.