Grape variety and grafted vine plant Fernao Pires: all the secrets

Fernao Pires

One of the foremost white varieties in Portugal. It is cultivated in many places; it has also been introduced in Australia, where its cultivation is very productive, and in South Africa. Also known as Maria Gomes.

CULTIVATED AREA IN PORTUGAL

YEAR	1989	2000	2011
HECTARES	23.163	17.500	8.299

Budburst period: early.
Ripening period: early.
Yield: good-excellent.

Ampelographic characters:

open, greenish apex with medium-intense carmine edges. The leaf is medium-sized, pentagonal and three-lobed; the petiolar sinus has a dark green rib, a curved profile, and is U-shaped. The cluster is medium-sized and semi-sparse, with a conical winged shape. The small, spherical berry has a medium-thick skin, evident navel and juicy, soft pulp with neutral taste.

Cultural aptitude:

variety of medium vigour, with semi-upright growth habit. Adaptable to different climates, if prefers temperate and warm climates, it does not suffer the return of spring frosts.

Training system and pruning:

adaptable to different training systems and pruning.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

highly susceptible to powdery mildew. Excessive water stress can significantly damage grape quality.

Enological potential:

the musts obtained have a high sugar and acidity content; it is recommended to avoid delayed harvests and to use fresh or irrigable land in order to prevent the loss of acidity and important aromatic components. It can produce balanced wines of good quality with very intense and complex aromas. It can also produce wood aged sweet wines and sparkling wines.