The red grape variety originates from the Iberian Peninsula, probably from Spain. Synonyms are Fernão Pires Tinta, Jaen, Jaen du Dão, Jaen Galego, Jaen Galeno, Loureiro Tinto (Portugal); Jaén, Jaén Tinto, Mencía Pajaral, Mencía Pequeno (Spain). It should not be confused with the Juan García, Jaén Tinto and Loureiro Tin to varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2015, it is a presumably natural cross between Alfrocheiro x Patorra. The variety was first mentioned in the province of León in north-western Spain towards the end of the 19th century, from where it is thought to have originated. It is assumed that it was brought to the Dão region by pilgrims on their way back from Santiago de Compostela to Portugal. Many genetic variations of the variety in Spain point to a Spanish origin, which is considered an indication of the place of origin.
The early-ripening vine is susceptible to powdery and downy mildew and botrytis. It produces colourful, alcohol-rich red wines with aromas of raspberries and blackberries, as well as storage potential. The variety is cultivated in the Spanish regions of Galicia, Castile-León, Asturias and Catalonia. It is permitted in many Spanish DO areas, these include Bierzo, Monterrei, Rías Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro and Valdeorras. The Spanish cultivation area totals 8,489 hectares. In Portugal, it is mainly cultivated in the Dão and Douro areas, where it covers a total of 2,561 hectares. There is also a tiny stand in Switzerland with 0.1 hectares. In 2016, a total of 11,052 hectares of vineyards were designated. The variety is thus in 66th place in the global grape variety ranking (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012.
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
