The white grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Asal, Asal Branco, Asal da Lixa, Azal, Azal Bianco, Azal da Lixa, Carvalha, Carvalhal, Espinheira, Gadelhudo and Pinheira.

The parentage is unknown. It should not be confused with the varieties Amaral (synonym Azal Tinto) or Alvarinho (synonym Azal Blanco) due to some of the same synonyms or morphological similarities. According to several DNA analyses, it is closely genetically related to the varieties Arinto, Loureiro and Trajadura (ex Wine Grapes). The variety was a crossing partner in the new Barcelo variety.
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For my many years of work as an editor with a wine and culinary focus, I always like to inform myself about special questions at Wine lexicon. Spontaneous reading and following links often leads to exciting discoveries in the wide world of wine.
Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien