Bovale

The Bovale grape is a fascinating but rather underappreciated variety from Sardinia and a testament to Sardinia's enduring connection with the Iberian Peninsula. The Bovale vine's arrival in Sardinia during the Aragonese domination marks a significant chapter in the island's viticultural history. This Iberian transplant, over time, evolved into two distinct varieties, each expressing unique characteristics:

Bovale Sardo (Bovaleddu): This smaller-berried variety is deeply rooted in Sardinian tradition.

Bovale di Spagna (Bovali Mannu/Bovale Grande): Known for its larger berries, this variety retains a stronger connection to its Spanish origins.

The Bovale grape has medium-sized berries, sub-oval, with a thick, black, heavily waxy skin. The bunches are medium, cylindrical-conical, and winged. The leaves are medium, five-lobed. The Bovale vine exhibits medium vigor and a medium-late ripening period. While its production is generally plentiful, it can be erratic, requiring careful vineyard management.

Bovale's true strength lies in its ability to enhance and complement other Sardinian grape varieties, adding structure, color, and a distinctive character, playng a vital role in creating complex and well-balanced red wines. While rarely vinified alone, but increasingly done by small Sardinian producers, when it is, it produces elegant, complex, and long-lived wines.