Assario Branco grapes
Assario Branco or also known as Assario is a white wine grape variety grown in Spain and in Portugal specifically in Dao Regio and Alentejo.
This variety was possibly born in the Douro region because of the high level of genetic diversity found in the place but not Dao or Lisboa wine regions.
Origin
Douro is where this old grape variety, Assario Branco originated. It is known under different names and one of these is Malvasia Fina.
The name Boal used in the Madeira Island is one of the synonyms of Assario Branco. It is baffling especially because it is also used in various white grape varieties such as Arinto de Bucelas, Boal Ratinho, Dona Branca, Rabigato, Semillon and Siria.
However, according to DNA parentage evaluation, Boal Ratinho from the Carcavelos region is a progeny of Assario Branco and Siria.
Characteristics of Assario Branco
Assario Branco produces medium – sized bunches and grapes. They are moderately powerful, grown easily and pretty susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis bunch rot especially powdery mildew.
Since Assario Branco is a late budding variety, it is invulnerable to spring frosts; however, it is fairly an early ripening grape variety as well
Assario Branco is rarely affected by coulure, known to be a viticultural hazard that affects the ripening of grapes as well as complicated water stress.
Characteristics of Assario Branco Wines
Wines made from Assario Branco are referred to as delicate, slightly intense, reasonably fresh and averagely complex. The hints of molasses, beeswax and nutmeg cover up most of Assario Branco wines.
The wine shows moderate smokiness even though it is not cultivated in wood having some gentle flavors and aromas as well as medium acidity.

Michael Bredahl
Wine Writer
Michael is an online enthusiast, with a lot of knowledge about online marketing. Traveling around the world to hunt for the perfect wine. Latest on Sicily, where Etna has a huge impact on the taste, which is strong with a bitter aftertaste for the youngest wines, but older wines are fantastic. Drinking wine, and writing about them, are one the passions. Remember to drink responsibly 🙂
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