Despite being the most widely grown and exclusive grape variety of the Douro region, it is not possible to determine exactly when it appeared. It is only officially described in 1940 and although Gyrão (1822) and Villa Maior (1866) speak of a Tinta Francesa, it is not possible to confirm whether it is the same variety.
Morphology
It may be ampelographically described in the following manner: cottony white buds with a crimson rims, young leaves are copper coloured with medium to strong antocianic pigmentation, red streaks on the dorsal side of the shoot. The adult leaf is medium sized with 3 lobes, lightly marked upper sinuses, dark green flat leaf blades that are slightly irregular at the periphery with pronounced wrinkles and short convex points.
It has petiole sinuses with slightly overlapping lobes and produces medium sized and compact bunches, as well as short peduncles with strong lignification. It is also characterised by having medium sized, rounded and uniform blueish-black berries with bloom and firm colourless pulp that is not particularly juicy or distinctive in taste.
Enological value
Although not as concentrated as the Touriga Nacional, the wine is robust with good colouration and structure, intense aromas with hints of red fruits, blackberry and, sometimes, rock-rose. It requires dry and hot climates in order to develop its full potential.