Roupeiro is a synonym for the Siria grape variety. The white wine variety Siria is one of the oldest and most traditional grape varieties in Portugal, where it is widespread, especially in the north of the country, under many different names such as Dona Blanca, Malvasia Castellano or Rouperio. Siria was mentioned as early as 1531/32, but previously in Spain for the first time in 1513 as a grape variety in Castile, Extremadura and Andalusia, where it no longer plays a role today. Its wide distribution on the Iberian Peninsula and its occurrence under a wide variety of names makes exact dating and a clear determination of origin impossible. Depending on the weather and the age of the vines, Siria tends to produce quite high yields. It ripens late after a medium shoot and feels most comfortable on warm soils on slopes. Producers appreciate its variety in the bouquet but also fear its tendency to rapid oxidation, which makes the wine unattractive. In addition, the Siria quickly reduces its acidity in the late stages of ripeness. It is rarely produced as a pure variety; it is usually part of a cuvée. With almost 14,000 hectares, Siria ranks fifth in Portugal's grape variety list and is now grown from the northern Douro down to the Algarve. In Spain, there are several hundred hectares in production in Galicia, especially in Bierzo, Monterrei and Valdeorras, and another 150 hectares in Extremadura. Siria does not occur outside the Iberian Peninsula.
