Parraleta is a red Spanish winegrape variety which might also be known under various other names, such as Tinta Caiada ( Alentejo, Portugal) in several Mediterranean countries. Parraleta is chosen as a prime name as it (old synonym Parrel) was used in Somontano, region located in the north-east Spain, which is its likely place of origin. DNA profiles of Tinta Caiada ( Alentejo, Portugal), and Carenisca ( Sardinia, Italy), and Salceño Negro ( Somontano, Spain) with that of Parraleta suggests that they are one and the same variety.J. Robinson, J. Harding and J. Vouillamoz ''Wine Grapes - A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours'' pgs 89-90 Allen Lane 2012
History
The origin of Parraleta is uncertain, other than it seems to have appeared in Somontano. It was considered to be synonymous with Graciano, but this has been disapproved, although there is sufficient similarity to suggest a possible parental relationship.C. Montaner, J. P. Martínb, J. Casanovaa, C. Martía, D. Badíaa, F. Cabelloc and J. M. Ortiz. Application of microsatellite markers for the characterization of ‘Parraleta’: an autochthonous Spanish grapevine cultivar. Scientia Horticulturae Volume 101, Issue 3, 10 September 2004, Pages 343-347 It has been also speculated that Parraleta is closely related to
Vermentino Nero
Vermentino nero is a red Italian wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in province of Massa-Carrara in Tuscany (wine), Tuscany. After World War II, the vine was almost lost to extinction until Podere Scurtarola, a producer from Massa, Tus ...
( Toscana, Liguria) however this has not yet been tested by DNA analysis. Although Parraleta is known as Carcajolo Nero on Corsica Island ( France), it has been proved that it is not a color mutation of
Bariadorgia
Bariadorgia (also known as Carcajolo blanc) is a white Italian/French wine grape variety that likely originated on the island of Sardinia but today is only found in limited planting on Corsica. Despite similarities in synonyms, Bariadorgia/Carcajol ...
, which is also called Carcajolo Blanc.
Distribution and Wines
Appears to be produced only in DO Somontano, where its importance has declined from 22% of the planted area in 1975 to only 0.2% in 2002. It is reported to produce wines with good colour, structure, acidity and fragrance.
Vine and Viticulture
Parraleta is a low yielding variety H. Johnson & J. Robinson "The World Atlas of Wine", 5th ed., pg 195 Mitchell Beazley 2001 giving round mid-sized berries in small to medium and moderately compact bunches. It can be used to make varietal wine or blend most commonly with
Moristel
Moristel is a minor Spanish red grape variety. It is mainly found in the autonomous region of Aragon and is one of the authorized varieties of the Somontano
Somontano is a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) for wines, created in ...
or
Tempranillo
Tempranillo (also known as Ull de Llebre, Cencibel, Tinto Fino and Tinta del Pais in Spain, Aragonez or Tinta Roriz in Portugal, and several other synonyms elsewhere) is a black grape variety widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its ...
. The wines usually have intense color, high phenol and acidity. The alcohol content is potentially higher however wines are often noted for aromatic flavors.
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
), Carcaghjolu Neru (
Corsica
Corsica ( , Upper , Southern ; it, Corsica; ; french: Corse ; lij, Còrsega; sc, Còssiga) is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. It is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies southeast of ...
), Carcajolo Nero or Carcajolo Noir (
Corsica
Corsica ( , Upper , Southern ; it, Corsica; ; french: Corse ; lij, Còrsega; sc, Còssiga) is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 18 regions of France. It is the fourth-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies southeast of ...
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
), Lambrusco de Alentejo ( Portugal), or Monvedro do Algarve (
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve (, , ; from ) is the southernmost NUTS II region of continental Portugal. It has an area of with 467,495 permanent inhabitants and incorporates 16 municipalities ( ''concelhos'' or ''municípios'' in Portuguese).
The region has its ...
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve (, , ; from ) is the southernmost NUTS II region of continental Portugal. It has an area of with 467,495 permanent inhabitants and incorporates 16 municipalities ( ''concelhos'' or ''municípios'' in Portuguese).
The region has its ...
), Perrel, Preto Foz ( Dão, Portugal), Preto João Mendes ( Portugal), Tinta Grossa (
Alenquer, Portugal
Alenquer () is a municipality in the Lisbon District, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 43,267,Douro), Tintorro (
Alenquer, Portugal
Alenquer () is a municipality in the Lisbon District, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 43,267,Portugal).
Varieties commonly mistaken for Parraleta: Graciano,
Mazuelo
Carignan (also known as Mazuelo, Bovale Grande, Cariñena, Carinyena, Samsó, Carignane, and Carignano) is a red grape variety of Spanish origin that is more commonly found in French wine but is widely planted throughout the western Mediterra ...