Amaral is the official name of a Portuguese red wine variety that is usually called Azal Tinto in the country. Amaral is one of the oldest grape varieties in Portugal and is considered the ancestor of the Loureiro, Tinta Castanal and Vinhão grape varieties as well as two other grape varieties that are no longer cultivated today. The vineyards of this variety are limited to the Vinho Verde region in the north of Portugal, where it provides an essential component for the red Vinho Verde. The Amaral is still often trained in the traditional pergola system, although the yields are low. After medium budding, it ripens for a long time and produces small, quite compact bunches with small berries. Little is known about typical grape diseases. Around 150 hectares are produced in VInho Verde, whereby the Amaral is usually part of a cuvée and is rarely produced as a pure variety. The wines present themselves with firm acidity and are surprisingly full-bodied. A rosé is sometimes also produced from this variety in Vinho Verde. The grape variety is not found outside of Portugal.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Azal Tinto
