Tinta Miúda

Tinta Miúda is a grape variety of Mediterranean origin. It exists in countries once belonging to the Roman Empire and is suspected to originate from this time. In Spain and Australia, it is called "Graciano", in France "Morrastel" and California "Xeres". It was probably introduced to Portugal from Northern Spain and was first planted in Estremadura by Priest Antonio. For this reason, the popular name of this grape variety is "Tinta do Padre António". It is not a very planted grape perhaps, is sensitive to diseases such as scorch, downy and powdery mildew and requires high temperatures and long summers. The wines are deep-coloured and full-bodied. They have astringency that gradually softens with ageing, making them pleasant wines with a bouquet that stands out. The quality of the wine may be very high when there is some over-ripening of the grapes with the presence of raisins. With a medium level alcoholics, have a good ageing capacity and are suitable for barrel ageing.

Source: Vine to Wine Circle