The red grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Baroccas, Barocca, Barroco, Boca de Mina, Tinta Barocca, Tinta das Baroccas, Tinta Gorda, Tinta Grossa and Tinta Vigaria. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the varieties Carrega Tinto, Grossa and Marufo (all with synonym Tinta Grossa) or Touriga Franca. According to DNA analyses last carried out in 2018, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Marufo x Touriga Nacional. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see under molecular genetics). By the way, Touriga Franca also originated from the same parents.
This early-maturing, high-yielding vine is sensitive to heat and susceptible to botrytis and both types of mildew. It has thick-skinned berries with a high sugar content and produces colourful, alcohol-rich and rustic red wines with aromas of cherry and blackberry. In the Douro region, this variety is one of the three most important reds for port wine. It is also cultivated in the Távora-Varosa area. The area under cultivation in Portugal is 4,733 hectares, with a strong downward trend. There are further stocks in Australia, Chile (2 ha), Switzerland (0.1 ha) South Africa (190 ha). In 2016, a total of 4,926 hectares of vineyards were designated. It is thus ranked 114th 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)
