The red grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Castellana, Penamacor, Pennamaior, Pinot Aigret, Preto Rifete, Rifete, Riffete, Rofete, Rosette, Ruceta, Rufeta, Rufetas, Rupeti Berra, Tinta Carvalha and Tinta Pinheira.
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it originates from a presumably natural cross between an unknown parent variety x Molar (Negramoll). In earlier DNA analyses, Perepinhao Portalegre (Verdejo Serrano) was identified as the parent variety, but this was based on only 20 DNA markers (see Molecular genetics).
It should not be confused with the Pedral or Tinta Carvalha varieties due to some of the same synonyms or morphological similarities. The white Verdejo Serrano (synonym Rufete Blanca) is not a colour mutation.
![]()
The Wine lexicon helps me to keep up to date and refresh my knowledge. Thank you for this Lexicon that will never end in terms of topicality! That's what makes it so exciting to come back often.
Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden