Merenzao (Bastardo)

In Spain is known with the name of Maria Ardoña in the Ribeira Sacra, in Valdeorras and in the Island of Tenerife. It is cultivated under the name of Bastardo in Portugal, especially, in the Douro region (1,100 ha in 2000). It is cultivated in France (Trousseau), Australia (Gros Cabernet), South Africa, California (Chauché noir), Argentina and Crimea. Genetic analysis shows that it probably descends from the Savagnin Blanco. It has small, compact clusters, and small-medium, elliptical, bluish-black berries with a high sugar content. This averagely vigorous variety has an almost upright growth habit. The budburst period is early. It prefers good exposures in rich soils, to reach a good ripening. Adaptable to different training systems and short or long pruning, depending on climatic conditions. Quite resistant to diseases. In the stage of over-ripening, it is quite susceptible to botrytis. The yield is average-low, with an early ripening period. It produces very alcoholic wines of great aromatic complexity. With aging, the aromas evolve from forest red fruits to dried plums and coffee. Suitable especially for production of dessert wines using dried grapes.