Cagnulari

The Cagnulari grape is mainly found in vineyards located in and around Sassari (13%), but very little in the other Sardinian provinces, this is the reason why it has been ignored by many scholars of the last century, such as Manca dell’Arca and Moris.

There is a certain resemblance to the grape Bovale and thus we assume a common Spanish origin even if Cagnulari evolved in respect to the original clone, which could easily be the Bovale. In Gallura, the grape is called Caldarello or Caldareddu, and in Alghero it is called Cagliunari, which is another name regularly recognized.

Cagnulari is often vinified together with other red varieties, an example is the blend with the Cannonau giving a wine of an interesting structure. In 1995, the Cagnulari was recognized as a base in the DOC Alghero's wines.

The Cagnulari berry is black, medium, spheroid with thick, substantial, pruinose, black-purple skin. The bunch is medium, cylindrical-conical, sometimes winged, semi-tight with a large, three-lobed leaf. The Cagnulari variety has medium vigor and a medium-late ripening.

The Cagnulari grape gives ruby red wine, with a fruity nose with hints of berries. The palate is structured and complex, typically warm and soft.