Refuete is a synonym for the Tinta Pinheira grape variety. The grape variety originally comes from east-central Portugal, where it still plays a dominant role today. Genetic studies have shown that it is very closely related to another top variety in Portugal, the Touriga Nacional. The Tinta Pinheira ripens very late and is particularly sensitive to powdery mildew and putrefactive diseases such as sour rot. In addition, it places high demands on its location, otherwise it will not ripen properly and the wines will be quite grassy and also biting and rough due to green tannins. However, when fully ripened, this variety produces a wine of medium depth of color, balanced character and good complexity with good ripeness and aging potential. Successful wines are often compared with the Cabernets Francs of the Loire. The Tinta Pinheira is now particularly found in the east of Beiras, in the north of Dão and in the Douro. The vineyards are growing because it is not only used to produce red wines, but also rosé and sparkling wines. Incidentally, the Rufete Blanca is not related to the Tinta Pinheira, but rather is a synonym for the Verdejo Serrano variety.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Tinta Pinheira
