OTHER NAMES: torneiro (Galicia), caíño redondo (Spain-Galicia), couxo (Spain-Galicia).
This is one of the most typical native varieties in the Ribeiro area, the only zone of production. Is characterised by its great aromatic potential. It is not usually used for single-varietal wines, but frequently as a compliment, endowing wines with complexity and aromatic intensity. Agronomically speaking, it is a productive, drought resistant, creeping variety, which adapts well to infertile soils, but with significant requirements for potassium. It admits short pruning, and needs a good deal of sunlight, but not directly on the cluster which is sensitive to heat stroke. It is moderately sensitive to oidium, botrytis and excoriosis.
The grapes are uniform, with a short-elliptic shape, blueish-black in colour; medium blossom, barely visible navel, separation of the pedicel with medium difficulty, and the presence of a ring. Cross-section of the grape, circular; uncoloured, substantial, soft flesh, with no particular flavour.
It produces cheerful wines that are highly aromatic, fresh and of medium structure. Its alcohol content is usually around 12%, maintaining a good acidity. It is usually used as a compliment, being blended with other varieties of greater structure. It provides very interesting fresh, young wines with intense fruity floral aromas, fresh and friendly on the nose. In terms of mouthfeel, it helps to produce very fresh and elegant wines of medium structure.
