The white grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Camarate, Fernam Pires, Fernan Piriz, Fernão Pirão, Fernão Pires de Beco, Gaeiro, Gaieiro, Maria Gomes (second main name), Molinha, Molinho, Torrontés. It must not be confused with the varieties Bical (Fernão Pires Galego), Camarate Tinto, Fernão Pires de Colares or Trebbiano Toscano, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. There is also a colour mutation with pink berries called Fernão Pires Rosado. Fernão Pires is a common Portuguese family name. This suggests that some important but unknown personality was to be honoured. The exact origin is thought to be Bairrada, where there are several varieties of this vine. The variety was a crossing partner in the new varieties Alvarinho Silvestre, Campanario, Casalze, Castelo Branco, Fepiro, Generosa, Marquinhas, Rio Grande and Seara Nova.
This early-maturing, high-yielding vine produces aromatic, low-acid wines with diverse aromas of oranges, lime blossom, laurel, mimosa and honey. These tend to oxidise and therefore have little storage potential. They are also used for distillation. With 12,138 hectares, Fernão Pires is the most common Portuguese white wine variety. It is grown in many DO areas such as Alentejo, Bairrada, Douro, Palmela, Península de Setúbal and Ribatejo or Tejo. There are also small populations in South Africa (73 ha), Australia and California. In 2016, a total of 12,211 hectares of vines were recorded, with an upward trend. It is thus ranked 62nd in the global grape variety ranking (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012.
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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