The white grape variety comes from Portugal. Synonyms are Asal, Asal Branco, Azal, Azal Bianco, Azal da Lixa, Carvalha, Carvalhal, Espinheira, Gadelhudo and Pinheira. It must not be confused with the varieties Amaral (Azal Tinto) or Alvarinho (Azal Blanco) because of common synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses, azal is closely related to the varieties Arinto, Loureiro and Trajadura. However, the parentage (parenthood) is unknown. The variety was a crossing partner in the new Barcelo breeding. The late maturing vine is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery and downy mildew, as well as botrytis. It produces fresh, acidic white wines with aromas of lemon and green apples. The variety is mainly cultivated in the Beiras, Douro and Rios do Minho and Vinho Verde areas. In 2016, a total of 1,443 hectares of vineyard area were designated in Portugal (statistics Kym Anderson).