The white grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Alvadurão Portalegre, Alvaraça, Alvaraça Branco, Alvarça, Alvaroça, Alvaroço, Asal Espanhol, Batoco, Blanca Mantilla, Blanca Mar, Carvalhal, Espadeiro Branco (but there is no connection to the red variety Espadeiro), Ravaz, Sa Douro, Sedouro and Treixadura Francesa. The parentage is unknown. The late-maturing, low-yielding vine is very susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. It produces neutral white wines, mainly used as blends. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2009, it is identical to the Spanish Blanca Mar. The variety is grown in the Minho, Trás-os-Montes and Vinho Verde areas. In 2016, 8 hectares of vines were reported with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson statistics).
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