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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Andreas Essl
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