The 2007 Perdera is the house’s entry-level red. A blend of 90% Monica, 5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo, (all indigenous varieties), it spends a brief sojourn of 5-6 months in French oak. This delicious, hearty red is loaded with dark red cherries, cracked black pepper, spices, licorice and herbs. It is an incredibly pleasing, hearty red to enjoy over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. This is a superb set of value-priced wines from Argiolas, one of Sardinia’s historic properties. I am told that at age 102 Antonio Argiolas still pays a daily visit to the property.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Monica is a native grape of Sardinia with loads of fruit nuances and less in the way of structure or tannins. You normally drink it young and fresh with seafood or summer pasta dishes thanks to its easy perfumes of wild berries and blue flowers.——M.L.(9/1/2009)—— 86