The Nieddera is a black grape variety found in Sardinia, cultivated in very small plots, primarily in the Tirso Valley and in the provinces of Cagliari, Nuoro, and Oristano. In the Sardinian dialect, “nieddu” means black, which gives the Nieddera its name, referring to a very dark-skinned grape that produces wines with intense coloring. The origins of Nieddera are uncertain, although some believe it might be related to Carignano, another indigenous Sardinian grape. Its arrival on the northwestern coast of the island around the 8th and 7th centuries B.C. is thought to be due to Phoenician trade routes. For a long time, Nieddera was used as a blending grape, valued for its high anthocyanin content, but it has recently been rediscovered and appreciated for its potential to be vinified in purity. Today, it is used in the production of IGT Valle del Tirso wine.

From an ampelographic perspective, Nieddera has medium-sized, pentagonal, five-lobed leaves. Its grape clusters are medium-sized and conical, with medium-sized, spheroid berries that have thin, slightly waxy blue-black skins. Wines made from Nieddera are characterized by their deep, intense ruby color, often with violet hues. The aroma is marked by herbaceous notes and pink pepper scents. On the palate, Nieddera has a bold and well-defined body, making it an excellent candidate for aging.