The red grape variety originates from Spain. Synonyms grouped alphabetically by country are Molar, Rabo de Ovelha Tinto, Saborinho, Tinta de Madeira, Tinta Madeira, Tinta Mole, Tinta Negra, Tinta Negra Mole(Portugal); Mollar, Mollar Cano, Mollar de Cádiz, Mollar de Granada, Mollar de Huelva, Morisca, Mulata, Negra Mole, Negramolle, Verdejo Negro, Verdejo Tinto (Spain); Mollar, Mollar de América, Mollar ICA, Negra Criolla (South America).
It was first mentioned in Andalusia in 1787 under the name Mollar. It was widespread in the Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira (Portugal) in the 19th century. It was probably brought to these islands from Andalusia in the 18th century. But the variety could be much older. A document from 1614 and other sources suggest that a variety called Mollar was already being cultivated in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru at that time. According to DNA analyses, the South American Mollar and the Spanish Negramoll are identical.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien