The red grape variety originates from France. There are almost 60 synonyms, which indicates that it is very old and used to be widespread. The most important, grouped alphabetically by country, are Areal, Arrouya, Coulant, Courbu Rouge, Gascon, Gros Coulon, Mansenc Noir, Manseng Rouge, Noir du Pays (France); Espadão, Espadeiro Mole, Espadeiro Molle, Espadeiro Tinto, Padeiro de Basto, Padeiro Tinto, Verdelho da Sombra, Vinhão Mole (Portugal); Caíño do Freixo, Caíño Freixo, Espadal, Espadao, Espadero, Ferrol, Ferrón, Tinta dos Pobres (Spain).

The parentage is unknown (ex VIVC catalogue). It must not be confused with the varieties Arrouya, Courbu Noir (Noir du Pays) or Espadeiro due to partly identical synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, there is a parent-offspring relationship with the Tannat variety.
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