Origin:

This is a somatic mutation of Garnacha Tinta.

Origin of the variety in Navarre: Although it is an authorised variety in both the Navarre Designation of Origin and the Rioja Designation of Origin, there are virtually no old vineyards of this vinifera variety, apart from plantings carried out in recent years. Its cultivation in Navarre has been documented since the late 19th century.

Current cultivation: Although authorised in the Navarre Designation of Origin and the Rioja Designation of Origin, there are virtually no vineyards of this vinifera variety apart from those planted in the last twenty years. Today, there is a slight renewed interest among wineries and winegrowers in planting this variety. However, this demand cannot be fully met due to the lack of local plant material, making it necessary to use material from France and from the Terra Alta area of Catalonia.

Descendants: This variety has generated other varieties through spontaneous or human-induced hybrid fertilisation, including Aljibe (Garnacha Blanca × Palomino Fino) and Gama (Garnacha Blanca × Malvar).

Agronomic characteristics: The plant is highly resistant to drought. It is resistant to powdery mildew and only slightly sensitive to downy mildew and botrytis. It is less sensitive to coulure than the red variety. The leaf is medium-sized and pentagonal. The cluster is small to medium-sized and moderately compact. The berry is medium-sized and greenish-yellow.

Winemaking potential: It produces fairly alcoholic wines, yellow in colour, with subtle aromas of ripe fruit and medium to high acidity. These are extract-rich wines that tend to undergo early oxidation. Garnacha Blanca wines are marketed either as single-varietal wines or blended with Macabeo. The variety is also used to produce golden-coloured rancio wines, consumed as dessert wines.