Girò

The Girò vine is widespread in southern Sardinia, and its origins probably date back to the Spanish domination. Its maximum spread happened during Piemontese domain, in the 18th century. Afterwards, Girò was in danger of disappearing because of the advent of phylloxera in the second half of the 18th century - many preferred planting more productive and less problematic varieties than of Girò. The Girò was significantly present only in the province of Cagliari. With the recognition of the DOC (controlled designation origin), Girò became Girò di Cagliari DOC in 1979. The vine aroused new interest, especially for its ability to give important liqueur wines. The berry is medium sized, round, with a thick skin, of more or less intense black-purple color; the flesh is sweet and firm, of neutral flavor. Girò variety has a medium leaf, five-lobed, sometimes three-lobed, of kidney-shaped form. Its bunches can be medium to large, cylindrical-conical, often winged and pyramid, generally semi-loose. The Girò grape prefers limestone-clay soils, deep and cool, not humid. The ideal climate in spring and summer is hot and dry. It is bred with not much expanded forms and pruning. Girò has high but inconstant production.