Palm & Vine
  • Home
  • Free Resources
  • About Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
  • Contact Me
  • Wine
    • Tastings & Events
    • Wineries
    • World of Wine
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • Musings

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Social Links

Free Resources
Contact
Palm & Vine
Palm & Vine Palm & Vine
  • Wine
    • Wine Tastings & Events
    • World of Wine
    • Wineries
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • About
    • My Wine Lifestyle
    • Contact Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
    • Find Your Marketing Flavor Profile
    • Free Resources
  • WineComm 365
Bovale
  • Rare Varieties

Bovale – A Complex Sardinian Red With Depth

  • 5 minute read
Total
8
Shares
0
0
8

“What’s a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would still smell as sweet.” – Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

Well, if we were talking about this week’s rare variety and that rose were called Bovale, I have to agree. Though Bovale is by no means a sweet wine, it does taste just as delicious when called by any of the twenty four names the variety is known as in Sardinia.

Yes, you read that right. There are around twenty four other names for the same variety in Sardinia. I would imagine this is due to the various dialects of Sardo found throughout the island. Not only are Italian and Sardo spoken in Sardinia, but depending on the region of the island you are in, or perhaps even just the village, there are different dialects of Sardo spoken as well.

But don’t worry about learning all twenty four names of Bovale. You are more likely to see this variety labeled as Bovale or perhaps as Muristellu, which is the most widely used Sardo name for the variety. I will be using these two names interchangeably in this blog post just to keep you on your toes. 

Now, this variety is not to be confused with Bovale Mannu a.k.a. Cagnulari, which is one of my favorite red Sardinian varieties and the topic for another blog post. The Bovale family of varieties has a very diverse genetic cluster. Following genetic research, Nieddu Polchinu and Monica puntinata falsa are thought to be the likely parents of Bovale, though the parental genetic connections are not clearly definitive. Muristellu also crossed with a couple of native Sardinian varieties to produce new varieties you are likely to only find on this Mediterranean island. The partner varieties and offspring are as follows:

  • Combined with Monica Bianca to produce Fiudedda
  • Crossed with Monica Bianca again to produce a different variety – Girò di Bosa
  • Combined with Cannonau to produce Nera di Oliena

Genetically speaking, one of the most interesting aspects of Muristellu is that it is one of a handful of varieties in the world to have a distinctive genetic similarity to wild vines. If you really want to geek out, Muristellu shares the same allele with molecule 218 on the locus VVMDS. And it’s ok, I had no idea what this meant either. But just know this is very rare to find in domestically cultivated vines. Bovale is still a bit wild, just like Sardinia.

Bovale is still a bit wild, just like Sardinia.

Bovale in the Vineyards

Bovale Clusters
Image from Akinas

Bovale is cultivated throughout the island of Sardinia. However, this variety is mostly concentrated and grows best in the sunny zones of Mandrolisai in the province of Nuoro and in Terralba in the region of Oristano. When Bovale vines are young, they have very distinctive light, bright green leaves with red tips. Traditionally, Bovale is grown in the alberello Sardo vine training method, i.e. bush trained.

Bovale Leaves
Image from Akinas

The growing season typically begins with bud break in the first ten days of April, followed by flowering in the last ten ays of May. Veraison, my favorite time of year in the vineyards, happens in the last ten days of July to the very first days of August. The grapes tend to be mature and ready for harvest during the first ten days of October.

Geographic Indications

Currently, there are two geographic indications which include this distinctive variety.

Mandrolisai D.O.C.

When you pick up a bottle of Manrdolisai D.O.C. vino, you are drinking a blend of Bovale, Cannon, Monica, and perhaps a splash of a little something extra. More specifically, this D.O.C. calls for a minimum of 35% Bovale, 20-35% Cannonau, 20-35% Monica, and 10% maximum of other suitable Sardinian cultivated grapes. The Mandrolisai D.O.C. requires wines to be made only in the provinces of Nuoro and Oristano and also requires the following:

  • Maximum vineyard yield of 120 quintals per hectare
  • Wine yield of 70% for red and 65% for rosé
  • Minimum of 11.5% alcohol for red and rosé
  • Minimum 12.5% alcohol for the red Superiore designation
  • 2 year aging requirement with a minimum of 1 year in barrel for Superiore

Campidano di Terralba or Campidano D.O.C.

The main varieties under this geographic indication include Bovale Sardo and Bovale di Spagna. The latter of which came to Sardinia from Spain in the 1300’s but shows vast differences to Sardinia’s Muristellu. The Campidano D.O.C. also permits up to 20% of Pascale di Cagliari, Greco Nero and Monica. Grapes are required to be cultivated and wine produced in the province of Oristano. The other requirements are as follows:

  • Maximum vineyard yield of 150 quintals per hectare
  • Maximum wine yield of 20%
  • 11.5% alcohol minimum

Bovale in the Glass

Wines made from Bovale Sardo are rich and bold, tending to be heavily extracted, high in alcohol, and complex in polyphenols. These are wines that do best with aging and deserve to be cellared for a handful of years. Expect a high intensity red violet color with violet reflections in the glass. Typically, Bovale shows low to medium pronounced aromas of spices, blue and red berries, florals, berry jams, and sometimes exotic fruits. On the palate, the wine will have a low to medium acidity, medium body, good structure, high alcohol, and a medium persistence.

Tasting Notes: Argiolas, Korem, Bovale Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, 2016

Bovale
  • Likely not 100% Bovale as this is an IGT wine, though I could not find the exact blend information online
  • Ruby red color with medium intensity
  • Medium pronounced aromas of blueberries, cassis, violets, roses, a touch of chocolate and macchia
  • Aromas carry through to similar flavors on the palate, along with notes of vanilla and baking spices from 10-12 months spent aging in oak
  • Balanced and round on the palate
  • Medium bodied with a long persistence
  • Not my favorite Bovale I’ve tasted, but might be suitable to the American palate because of the significant oak influence

Recommended Producer

Bovale

La Giara, Bovale Isola Dei Nuraghi IGT 2016

This is a rich and powerful red wine with great depth and serious structure. A wine that could have aged at least 5 more years, but was still showing wonderfully with great complexity.

Pairing Suggestions

Bovale is a big, bold red wine, making it the perfect pairing for meat dishes and bolder flavors. Asian sticky ribs. Filet with balsamic reduction. Gorgonzola and radicchio risotto. Lamb kofte with tzatziki.

Sources

Akinas, Uve di Sardegna, Poliedro, 2017, Ilissio Edizioni, Nuoro

Wine of Sardinia E-Book From Laore Sardegna

Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 8

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Total
8
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 8
Related Topics
  • International Wine
  • Italian Wine
  • Red Wine
  • Sardinia
  • Wine Tasting
Previous Article
Monica
  • Rare Varieties

Monica – A Rare Variety From Sardinia

View Post
Next Article
Malvasia di Bosa
  • Rare Varieties

Malvasia di Bosa – A Rare Sardinian Nectar

View Post

You May Also Like

Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

Grignolino from Monferrato
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Grignolino – A Rebellious Yet Noble Red Variety in Monferrato

Nascetta, Piedmont, white wine
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Nascetta – A Rare Variety Making Memorable Wines in Piemonte

Ferraris Ruché
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wineries

Discover Ruché with Ferraris Agricola

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Discover Your Digital Marketing Flavor Profile

Winery digital marketing, wine social media marketing, winery brand messaging
about

About

Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for the adventurous at heart. Allow me to guide you into the world of wine, help you create unforgettable wine pairings, and inspire your wine travels to far off destinations. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together.
Read More

Let’s Connect!

Free resources
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Rare Varieties

  • Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
    • Rare Varieties

    Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
    • Rare Varieties

    Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
    • Rare Varieties

    Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
    • Rare Varieties

    Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
    • Rare Varieties

    Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post

Watch Wine Masters TV

wine masters TV, wine documentary, learn about wine, wine movies, gaja, mastroberardino, antinori, italian wine, french wine, spanish wine

Instagram

If you’re a wine brand or business struggling with digital marketing and breaking through the noise on social media, I get it.
If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
Follow

Posts You’ll Love

  • aromas in wine, wine tasting, red wine aromas, primary aromas
    Aromas in Wine: 25 of the Most Common Wine Aromas Explained
  • Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
    Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • Bud Break in Burgundy
    Bud Break, Flowering & Fruit Set – Nature’s Gift to Wine Lovers
  • Cannonau
    Sardinian Cannonau is a Global Contender
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
    Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine
Palm & Vine Wine Blog

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Featured Categories

Crostini Appetizer
Food & Wine
53 Posts
View Posts
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Musings
21 Posts
View Posts
Veraison Grapes
Rare Varieties
51 Posts
View Posts
Palm & Vine
Tastings & Events
19 Posts
View Posts
winemaking, wine country, wine region, vineyards
Wine
23 Posts
View Posts
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
Wineries
35 Posts
View Posts
Vigne Surrau Barrel Room
World of Wine
38 Posts
View Posts
If you’re a wine brand or business struggling with digital marketing and breaking through the noise on social media, I get it.
If you’re slinging wine, then you need to know how to write about it! Nothing groundbreaking, but at the very least you should be able to write enticing tasting notes...
📣📣 Calling all wine brands, wineries, wine shops, and wine businesses! I'm excited to share something I've been cooking up for you...
✨ Save this post for a must-try restaurant for the next time you find yourself in 📍Nuoro, Sardegna…
Are you ready to visit one of the world's most renowned wine regions with me?
Feels like it’s time for a little reintroduction 😊
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Free resources

Pinterest Profile

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to function and to track how you interact with the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More Cookie settings Accept
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

 

Loading Comments...