The red grape variety originates from Portugal. Synonyms are Black Alicante, Black Portugal, Castelão de Cova da Beira, Castico, Crato Preto, Crato Tinto, Folha de Abobora, Mortágua, Mortágua Preto, Malvasia Rey, Moreto Mortagua, Mourisco Branco, Mourteiro, Murteira, Negreda, Padeiro Bravo, Preto Martinho, Preto Rifete, Rabo de Ovelha Tinto, Rifete, Rosete Espalhado, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Amarelha, Tinta Amarella, Tinta Carvallera, Tinta Manuola, Torneiro and Trincadeira. It must not be confused with the varieties Black Alicante, Castelão Francês, Espadeiro, Preto Martinho, Rufete (Rifete), Tamarez, Trajadura or Trincadeira das Pratas, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. The parentage is unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, there are genetic relationships with Ramisco and Sercial.
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