learly of Spanish origin, the Girò variety is found throughout the southern half of Sardinia, where it was extensively planted in the first half of the 18th century when the island was governed by the Piedmontese. The plantings were undertaken as part of the agricultural policy laid down in 1736 by the Marchese di Rivarolo.
At the beginning of the second half of the last century, phylloxera appeared and quickly devastated Sardinia's vineyards. Afterward, when the vines were replanted, the greater part of the growers opted for Girò rather than any other variety. Their choice was based on the breed's greater productivity. And vinification of its grapes was less difficult.
After the granting of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata in 1979, there was renewed interest in the variety among Sardinian growers because of its capacity to yield a liqueur wine of outstanding elegance, one that is capable of standing comparison at a world level with the most noted wines of the same category.
This page was written by Stefano Milioni. Background image and most photos in this section courtesy of Giuliano Bugialli, all right reserved (see Copyright and Credits).
learly of Spanish origin, the Girò variety is found throughout the southern half of Sardinia, where it was extensively planted in the first half of the 18th century when the island was governed by the Piedmontese. The plantings were undertaken as part of the agricultural policy laid down in 1736 by the Marchese di Rivarolo.