Blauer Portugieser
(Português Azul)

The Blauer Portugieser, as its name suggests, originates from Portugal where it is identical with the Português Azul. The variety was brought to Vöslau in the Thermenregion in 1770 by the Baron of Fries.

Origin

probably Austria

Parentage

Crossing between Blauer Zimmettraube x Sylvaner

Vineyard area

1,263 ha, 2.7%

A picture shows grapes of the grape variety Blauer Portugieser — © AWMB / Oberleitner

Parentage: The Blauer Portugieser is identical with the variety Português Azul in Portugal.

Vineyard area: Grows mainly in Niederösterreich, but is declining in significance. Its growth area decreased between 1999 and 2015.

Important ampelographic features:
Leaf: circular, with five to seven lobes.
Grape cluster: medium-sized; compact berries; conical, shouldered, sometimes with small wings; oval grapes with blueish-black colour.

Ripening time: early- to mid-season

Significance, conditions: The Blauer Portugieser is important in the Thermenregion and the northwestern Weinviertel. Its susceptibility to winter frost, Botrytis, oidium and peronospora make production difficult.

Wine: Higher yields bring simple, neutral and light-coloured red wines that mature and age quickly. Good vintages and yield limitation allow Blauer Portugieser to deliver strong and extract-rich red wines.

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