The Caddiu grape is an indigenous black grape variety from Sardinia, now almost extinct. Very little is known about this grape, partly because no in-depth DNA investigations have been conducted yet. Caddiu is mainly cultivated in the lower Tirso Valley and is also known by other names, including Caddu in Bosa, Niedda Perda Sarda in Terralba, and Caddiu Nieddu in the Oristano area. However, Caddiu is present throughout Sardinia and is included in the blends of all Sardinian IGT wines, while it is not mentioned in any Sardinian DOP type.
From a cultivation perspective, Caddiu is a vigorous grape variety with medium yields. It has good resistance to frost and fungal diseases. Its ripening period is quite late. The wine obtained from the pure vinification of Caddiu is ruby red with garnet hues. On the nose, it is intense, with well-defined vinosity and hints of ripe plum and cherry. On the palate, it is warm, full-bodied, with notes of black cherry, plum, damson, and a soft, sweetly spiced flavor if aged in wood.
