Bovale

Grape variety	Bovale
Synonyms	Bovale Grande, Bovale Sardo, Bovale di Spagna
Grape colour	Red grape
History	The Bovale grape has a rich history, believed to have originated in Spain before making its way to Sardinia, Italy. The grape has flourished in Sardinia's unique climate and soil conditions, shaping the character of the wines produced from it. Over the years, it has made a name for itself as a key variety in the region's red wines, contributing to the depth, complexity, and structure of the final blends.
Ampelographic features	The Bovale grape is known for its medium-sized, five-lobed leaves with a lyre-shaped petiole sinus that is typically semi-closed. The upper lateral sinuses are shaped like an open 'U', while the lower lateral sinuses are shaped like a shallow open 'V'. The leaf blade has a wavy surface with a smooth topside and a wicker underside. The grape clusters are medium in size, either cylindrical or conical in shape, with a short, semi-woody stem. The grape berries are also medium-sized, sub-oval, and thick-skinned with a black-blue hue. The pulp is juicy with a simple flavor.
Characteristics of the wine	Wines made from the Bovale grape are typically deep ruby red in color, reflecting the grape's intense pigmentation. These wines are known for their robust and warm palate, often exhibiting flavors of dark fruits, leather, and spice. The rich flavors, combined with moderate to high tannins and acidity, make Bovale wines excellent candidates for aging.