Girò

Grape variety	Girò
Synonyms	Girò Nero, Giro, Giro Rosso, Girò di Cagliari
Grape colour	Red grape
History	The Girò grape, a red wine variety, traces its roots back to the Spanish conquest of the Sardinian island around the 16th century. Despite its Spanish origin, the grape's cultivation remained relatively confined until it expanded dramatically two centuries later, essentially becoming indigenous to the region. Several authors have referenced the grape under various names, such as the Lost of the Ark as portrayed by Zirone, and the Sardinian dialect synonyms Nieddu alzu and Aghina bàrja. The grape gained significant traction in the southern parts of Sardinia during the Savoyard rule in the early 18th century. Like many European grapes, the Girò faced a significant threat from the phylloxera epidemic of the mid-19th century, but by the late 20th century, Sardinian winegrowers had revitalized its cultivation, thereby rekindling interest amongst wine enthusiasts. Today, Girò is predominantly found in Europe, specifically Sardinia, where it is cherished for its unique characteristics.
Ampelographic features	The Girò grapevine leaves are medium-sized, somewhat kidney-shaped, and typically five-lobed. The leaves display an open U-shaped petiolar sinus and semi-closed or closed marginal sinuses. The leaf's upper surface is dark green while the underside is hairless. The lobes are sloping with slightly convex edges, and the primary veins on the underside are green, sometimes with a faint pink hue. The leaf's margin is regularly serrated, with medium-sized mucronate teeth. The grape's bunch is medium to large, semi-spatulate, and often winged. The stalk is short and semi-woody, and the grapes are medium-sized, round, and have a black-violet skin. The pulp is juicy with a simple and sweet flavor.
Characteristics of the wine	The wine derived from the Girò grape exhibits a beautiful ruby red hue. On the palate, it is typically soft, occasionally exhibiting a velvety quality in superior versions. The wine generally has a moderate alcohol content and an appealing structure bolstered by the presence of tannins. Although it is infrequently vinified dry, the grape performs exceptionally well in sweet and liqueur versions, delivering a complex and delightful taste profile.