Wine Grapes: Códega

Síria is a very old variety that is known in the northwest of the Iberian peninsula under various synonyms, mainly Códega, Doña Blanca, Malvasia Castellana, and Roupeiro (Arranz et al.  2010).

Quite vigorous and initially high yielding, though the yield reduces with age and is very dependent on the weather. Mid budding, late-ripening. Susceptible to downy and powdery mildews and botrytis bunch rot. Best suited to warm soils and slopes. The variety is controversial among producers: proponents point to the intensity of its aromas – floral notes such as linden, acacia, orange, and laurel blossom as well as orange, peach and melon fruit – but its opponents highlight its tendency to oxidize, which causes the premature loss of such aromas, and its lack of aging capacity (Rolando Faustino, personal communication).