OTHER NAMES: xerez/jerez (Galicia, Spain), blanca extra (Spain-Asturias), palomino fino (Spain-Andalucía).
A non-native variety of grape authorised only in the Ribeiro and Valdeorras designations of origin. It is used as a compliment for the production of multi-varietal wines. It was introduced into Galicia at the start of the 20th century, after the practical destruction of vineyards owing to oidium and phylloxera. It is currently in the process of elimination, in favour of varieties native to the area.
A highly fertile and productive variety of creeping vine, with medium budburst and ripening cycles, it adapts well to dry soils and required a good deal of sunlight. Is highly sensitive to mildew and moderately sensitive to oidium and phylloxera.
This variety produces wines of an inferior quality and does not adapt well to the Galician climate. It produces simple scantly expressive wines, with a low alcohol content and acidity, with a tendency towards oxidation.
