The red grape variety originates from the Iberian Peninsula in the border region between Spain and Portugal. Synonyms are Jaen Noir (France); Fernão Pires Tinta, Jaen, Jaen du Dão, Jaen Galego, Jaen Galeno, Loureiro Tinto (Portugal); Jaén, Jaén Tinto, Mencía Pajaral, Mencía Pequeno, Mencin, Tinto Mencia (Spain).
The variety was first mentioned in León in north-west Spain at the end of the 19th century, which is probably where it originated. It was probably brought to the Dão region by pilgrims on their return journey from Santiago de Compostela to Portugal. Many genetic variations of the variety in Spain point to a Spanish origin.
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Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena