The white grape variety originates from Spain. Synonyms are Tortozon (France); Alva (Portugal); Alligator, Alvarelhão Branco, Cepa de Grande, Cetima, Coma, Luparello, Pansa Nova, Malvasía, Tardana, Tortozón (Spain).
The variety was already mentioned in 1513 as Tortozón by the Spanish writer Gabriel Alonso de Herrera (1470-1539) in the work "Obra de Agricultura". According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Rojal Tinta x Heptakilo (Axina de Tres Bias). It should not be confused with the Touriga Branca (Alvarelhão Branco) variety due to some of the same synonyms. A direct descendant is the Alarije variety.
![]()
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena