Azal

Azal is a native Portuguese grape variety that exists in both white (Azal Branco) and red (Azal Tinto) variants, playing a crucial role in Portugal's renowned Vinho Verde wines. With total Portuguese plantations around 5,100 hectares, it ranks as the second-most planted grape variety in Minho, after Loureiro. Azal Branco dominates production and is primarily cultivated in the sub-regions of Amarante, Basto, Baião, and Vale do Sousa in Portugal's Minho region. Known for the high acidity of its wines, varietal Azal Branco wines can be somewhat reminiscent of Riesling. The variety produces an intense green color when matured and aromas of citric fruits (such as lemon or green apple) and nuts, yielding young, fresh yet acidic wines. This versatile grape excels both as a single-varietal wine and as a crucial component in blends, where the crispness of Vinho Verde wines is often attributed to Azal Branco. It's a high-yielding variety that produces medium-sized, compact bunches and is late ripening, perfectly adapted to the Atlantic climate of northern Portugal. Azal Tinto, the lesser-known red variant, is a rustic and low-yield varietal grown almost exclusively in the western portion of the Iberian peninsula. It contributes to the production of red Vinho Verde wines, which are characterized by their youth and freshness. The Azal grape family represents the authentic character of Portuguese viticulture, embodying centuries of tradition in the Vinho Verde DOC and maintaining Portugal's unique wine identity in the global market.