The red grape variety originates from Italy, but the origin is in Spain. Synonyms are Gira, Girò Arzu, Girò Bragiu, Giró Chiaro, Girò Commune, Girò Commune Rosso, Girone, Girone di Spagna, Girò Nero (second main name). Girò Nieddu, Giró Nigro, Girò Ros, Girò Rosso, Girò Rosso di Spagna, Girò Sardo, Mancés de Capdell and Mansés de Capdell. It must not be confused with the Garnacha Tinta (Gironet) variety, despite the synonym or morphological similarities that seem to indicate it. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, it is not a colour mutation of the Spanish white variety Giro Blanco in Mallorca or vice versa. Giró (Giró Nero) is a parent of the Fogoneu variety.
The medium to late ripening vine is particularly suited to hot and dry climates. It produces tannin-rich, but rather low-acid red wines with cherry aromas. It was probably introduced to Sardinia from the Iberian Peninsula during the Spanish occupation from 1323 to 1720, together with the Graciano (Cagnulari), Mazuelo (Bovale Grande) and Pascale varieties. Until the end of the 19th century, it was widespread in Sardinia until the arrival of phylloxera. Today, the variety is still cultivated here in the two provinces of Cagliari and Oristano. The DOC red wine Girò di Cagliari is made from this variety. In Italy, the area under cultivation is 136 hectares, with a strong downward trend. In Spain, it is cultivated on 8 hectares on the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands). In 2016, a total of 144 hectares of vines were declared (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012.
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
