Bical is also part of Portugal's portfolio of autochthonous varieties and most likely comes from Bairrada or Dão. However, its origin is obscure, as it was previously hardly mentioned in specialist literature. His family relationships are also unknown. The Bical produces average yields with medium-sized grapes and small berries. Unfortunately, it is very susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew as well as to a high degree of trickling, but is less sensitive to putrefactive diseases. Today its main distribution areas are still in Bairrada and Dão, but it is also permitted in Beiras and Douro. After an early shoot, the Bical matures for a long time, but ideally it produces a white wine with good aging potential in the bottle. It is suitable for blends as well as for aging in small oak barrels, the barrique. Very good results can also be achieved with a longer yeast storage period. In other regions, the grape variety has also caused misunderstandings because the name was used as a synonym for varieties that were not identical to it, such as Arinta or Fernão Pires.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Arinto de Alcobaça, Barrado das Moscas, Bical de Bairrada, Borrado das Moscas, Pintado das Moscas, Pintado dos Pardais
