Nieddera is an ancient black grape variety from Sardinia, now closely associated with the Oristano area and, in particular, with the Campidano di Oristano and the Tirso Valley. The name probably derives from the Sardinian word ‘nieddu’, meaning ‘black’, in reference to the intense colour of the berries; the variety is documented in the nineteenth-century descriptions by Moris and Angius, where it also appears as Niedda vera or Negravera. Genetically distinct, it represents one of the most unique expressions of the island’s viticultural heritage. The mature leaf is medium-sized, pentagonal and five-lobed, with main veins sometimes pigmented and the underside moderately tomentose. The bunch, of medium compactness, is conical, often with one or two wings; the berry is small, spherical or slightly ellipsoidal, with a thick blue-black skin, juicy flesh and a neutral flavour. The wine has an intense purplish-red colour, sometimes enhanced by purple highlights, and offers aromas of flowers, berries, dried fruit, jam and spices, with possible vegetal undertones. On the palate, it displays structure, length and a pronounced tannic texture, underpinned by a pleasant freshness; in its finest expressions, it can age favourably with cellaring. An interesting oenological characteristic is its high anthocyanin content, which in the past favoured its use in blends and which is now also showcased through single-varietal winemaking.
