It is an old grape variety that is also famous under the name Malvasia Fina and normally used in producing Riesling-like wines like Vinho Verde.

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.

Wines with Assario Branco grapes

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.