Parraleta | |
---|---|
Grape (Vitis) | |
Color of berry skin | Red |
Species | Vitis vinifera |
Origin | Spain |
Notable regions | Somontano |
VIVC number | 8951 |
Parraleta is a red Spanish wine grape variety which might also be known under various other names, such as Tinta Caiada (Alentejo, Portugal) in several Mediterranean countries. Parraleta is chosen as a prime name as it (old synonym Parrel) was used in Somontano, region located in the north-east Spain, which is its likely place of origin. DNA profiles of Tinta Caiada (Alentejo, Portugal), and Carenisca (Sardinia, Italy), and Salceño Negro (Somontano, Spain) with that of Parraleta suggests that they are one and the same variety. [1]
The origin of Parraleta is uncertain, other than it seems to have appeared in Somontano. It was considered to be synonymous with Graciano, but this has been disapproved, although there is sufficient similarity to suggest a possible parental relationship. [2] It has been also speculated that Parraleta is closely related to Vermentino Nero (Toscana, Liguria) however this has not yet been tested by DNA analysis. Although Parraleta is known as Carcajolo Nero on Corsica Island (France), it has been proved that it is not a color mutation of Bariadorgia, which is also called Carcajolo Blanc. [1]
Appears to be produced only in DO Somontano, where its importance has declined from 22% of the planted area in 1975 to only 0.2% in 2002. [2] It is reported to produce wines with good colour, structure, acidity and fragrance.
Parraleta is a low yielding variety [3] giving round mid-sized berries in small to medium and moderately compact bunches. It can be used to make varietal wine or blend most commonly with Moristel or Tempranillo. The wines usually have intense color, high phenol and acidity. The alcohol content is potentially higher however wines are often noted for aromatic flavors.
Genetically verified synonyms: Carenisca (Sardinia), Monvedro (Bucelas, Portugal), Salceño Negro (Somontano), Tinta Caiada (Alentejo, Portugal). [1]
Other known synonyms: Bonifaccencu or Bonifacienco (Sardinia, Italy), Bonvedro or Bomvedro (Bucelas in Portugal, Australia), Carcaghjolu Neru (Corsica), Carcajolo Nero or Carcajolo Noir (Corsica), Caricagiola (Gallura in Sardinia), Cua Tendra (Lérida, Spain), Espagnin Noir (France), False Carignan (Australia), Lambrusco de Alentejo (Portugal), or Monvedro do Algarve (Algarve, Portugal), Monvedro de Sines (Portugal), Olho Branco (Dão, Portugal), Parrel (Somontano, Spain), Pau Ferro (Algarve, Portugal), Perrel, Preto Foz (Dão, Portugal), Preto João Mendes (Portugal), Tinta Grossa (Alenquer, Portugal), Tinta Lameira (Douro), Tintorro (Alenquer, Portugal), Torres de Algarve (Portugal). [1]
Varieties commonly mistaken for Parraleta: Graciano, Mazuelo, Monvedro (Dâo). [1]
Malvasia is a group of wine grape varieties grown historically in the Mediterranean region, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands and the island of Madeira, but now grown in many of the winemaking regions of the world. In the past, the names Malvasia, Malvazia, and Malmsey have been used interchangeably for Malvasia-based wines; however, in modern oenology, "Malmsey" is now used almost exclusively for a sweet variety of Madeira wine made from the Malvasia grape. Grape varieties in this family include Malvasia bianca, Malvasia di Schierano, Malvasia negra, Malvasia nera, Malvasia nera di Brindisi, Malvasia di Candia aromatica, Malvasia odorosissima, and a number of other varieties.
Alicante Bouschet or Alicante Henri Bouschet is a wine grape variety that has been widely cultivated since 1866. It is a cross of Petit Bouschet and Grenache. Alicante is a teinturier, a grape with red flesh. It is one of the few teinturier grapes that belong to the Vitis vinifera species. Its deep colour makes it useful for blending with light red wine. It was planted heavily during Prohibition in California for export to the East Coast. Its thick skin made it resistant to rot during the transportation process. The intense red color was also helpful for stretching the wine during prohibition, as it could be diluted without detracting from the appearance. At the turn of the 21st century, Alicante Bouschet was the 12th most planted red wine grape in France with sizable plantings in the Languedoc, Provence and Cognac regions. In 1958, Alicante Bouschet covered 24,168 hectares ; by 2011, plantings represented less than 4,000 hectares. This scenario is largely reversed in other regions of Europe, and in southern Portugal, where its wines are highly prized and frequently outscore traditional autochthonous varieties.
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Mencía, known as Jaen in Portugal, is a Spanish grape variety primarily found in the northwestern part of the country. It is planted on over 9,100 hectares, and it is primarily found in the Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras and Monterrei regions.
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Grand Noir de la Calmette is a red teinturier grape variety that is a crossing of Petit Bouschet and Aramon noir created in 1855 by French grape breeder Henri Bouschet at his vineyard in Mauguio in the Hérault department. The grape was named after the breeding station Domaine de la Calmette. As a teinturier, Grand noir is often used to add color to wines that it is blended into but is paler than other choices such as Alicante Bouschet. The vine tends to bud late and has a high productivity but with some susceptibility to the viticultural hazard of powdery mildew.
Lisboa, until 2009 named Estremadura, is a Portuguese wine region covering the same areas as the Estremadura region, and taking its name from the country's capital. The region is classified as a Vinho Regional (VR), a designation similar to a French vin de pays region. While the Beiras and Alentejo VRs are largest geographically, the Lisboa region is Portugal's largest producer of wine by volume. The region stretches from Lisbon along the Atlantic coast to the Bairrada DOC.
Alfrocheiro Preto is a red Portuguese wine grape variety planted primarily in the Dão DOC and Alentejano VR. The grape is known for the deep coloring it can add to wine blends. Under the name Baboso negro, it is considered a minor Spanish red grape variety, growing mainly in the provinces of Zamora and Salamanca, in the region of Castile and León. It is one of the authorized varieties of the La Gomera and El Hierro Denominación de Origen, in the Canary Islands (Spain).
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