The red grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Alvarelho, Allvarellao, Avarilhão, Brancelhão, Brancelho, Locaia, Pilongo, Pirruivo, Serradelo, Serradillo, Uva Gallega, Varancelha, Verancelha (Portugal); Albarello, Alvarello, Alvarello Gallego, Alvarelo, Brancellao, Brancellao Tinto, Brancello, Brencellao, Broncellao, Uva Negra (Spain).

The parentage is unknown (ex VIVC catalogue). According to DNA analyses carried out in 1999, it is related to the Sercial variety (ex Wine Grapes). Two mutations are Brancellao Blanco (white berries) and Brancellao Rosado (red berries). The Spanish variety Planta Nova (synonym Alvarelhão Branco) is an independent grape variety. Direct descendants are the varieties Alvarelhão Ceitão, Moscatel Galego Tinto and Roxo Rei.
![]()
I have great respect for the scope and quality of the wein.plus encyclopaedia. It is a unique place to go for crisp, sound information on terms from the world of wine.
Dr. Edgar Müller
Dozent, Önologe und Weinbauberater, Bad Kreuznach