The Caricagiola grape is a black grape variety widely cultivated in Sardinia, and it is likely native to the Gallura area. The first certain citation of Caricagiola refers to Corsica, although Sardinia is mentioned as its place of origin. Around the same period, the presence of Carcangliola on the island of La Maddalena is also reported. Its similarity to Vermentino Nero could suggest a Ligurian origin, and another hypothesis is that it derives from Mourvèdre Nero or Bonvendro from southern Portugal, itself a particular biotype of Mourvèdre cultivated in southern France and Spain. Caricagiola is present in almost all of the island’s IGT wines, but it does not appear in any DOP denomination.

Caricagiola is a highly productive grape variety; in fact, Caricagiola means “that loads a lot,” i.e., that bears many clusters, and “Carcaghjolu Nero” means “black that gives a lot of grapes.” Ampelographically, Caricagiola features large, pentagonal, and pentalobate leaves. Its cluster is medium-sized, conical or cylindrical, sometimes winged, and semi-compact. The berry is medium, sub-oval in shape, with a thick and firm black-violet skin covered with abundant bloom. From a cultivation perspective, Caricagiola has abundant and consistent production, prefers loose, siliceous-clay soils, and a warm climate, although it has good adaptability. It is fairly resistant to major pests and adverse weather conditions but is particularly sensitive to sour rot.