The red grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Bairrada, Caccalho, Camarate, Cascalho, Casculho, Castelão, Castelão da Bairrada, Castelão de Nosso, Castelão do Nosso, Castelão Nacional, Castelão Nosso, Maroto, Morete, Moreto (synonym for many varieties), Moreto de Soure, Moreto do Douro, Mortágua, Mortagua de Vide Preta, Mureto, Negro Mouro, Preto Mouro and Vide Preta. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2020, it is probably a natural cross between Cayetana Blanca x Alfrocheiro. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see Molecular genetics). Despite seemingly indicating synonyms or morphological similarities, it must not be confused with the variety Baga (Moreto) or its many sibling varieties (see Cayetana Blanca). It was a crossing partner of the new variety Água Santa. The early-maturing vine is susceptible to powdery and downy mildew, esca and grape rot. It produces dark-coloured, velvety red wines with a wild berry aroma. The variety is mainly cultivated in the Bairrada area, as well as in Dão, Tejo, Torres Vedras. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
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