The red grape variety originates from Portugal. Since 2002, the former name Touriga Francesca may no longer be used due to a lawsuit by the French wine lobby. Synonyms are Albino de Souza, Esgana Cão Tinto, Rifete, Tinta Barca, Touriga Frances, Touriga Francesa and Tourigo Francês.

According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it is a presumably natural cross between Marufo x Touriga Nacional. It should not be confused with other Touriga varieties or Tinta da Barca due to some of the same synonyms and morphological similarities. It is not a mutation of the white variety Sercial (Esgana Cão). Incidentally, the Tinta Barroca variety also originated from the same parents.
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