Alfrocheiro

Grown in several winegrowing regions of Portugal, this variety has a small and compact cluster, with a short and well lignified peduncle.The berry is small, uniform and spherically shape with a thick skin and a well visible navel. Alfrocheiro has medium-to-high vigour, a semi-erect growth habit and a medium bud-burst period. Thanks to its good basal fertility it also adapts to short pruning. The production should not be forced in the first years after planting. The productivity ranges from medium to good. Its sensitivity to both downy and powdery mildew is average. On the other hand, its susceptibility to botrytis and Esca disease is above average. It prefers sandy soils, not very fertile. Poorly tolerates water stress and boron shortage. The ripening period is medium (5 days after Tempranillo). Suitable for the production of young wines with a particularly fruity aroma. Also apt for medium-long aging, provided the production is controlled and carried out in cool environments. Often used in blend with Touriga.