Arinto

Arinto (or Pederna) is a white wine grape variety grown in the hot wine regions surrounding Lisbon on the central coast of Portugal. The variety’s naturally high acid content makes it well suited to the region whilst other varieties with less-robust acid structures struggle to retain sufficient acidity in the hot, humid climate.

Arinto covers the citrus fruit spectrum, led primarily by lemon and grapefruit. It can also show various stonefruit characteristics and can take on rich peach flavors when aged. Multiple sub-varieties of Arinto exist, although how distinct they are from the original is often unclear.

What is certain is that the catchily named Arinto Tinto is quite distinct, being a synonym for Aragonez (Tempranillo). Additionally, Arinto de Dão is not related to the main Arinto family. It is the same variety as Malvasia Fina, which is known as Bual or Boal in Madeira.