However, despite its Spanish synonym Camaraou noir has no relationship to the Portuguese wine grape Espadeiro that is used to make red Vinho Verde.
[1] Camaraou noir is a late-ripening variety that can be very vigorous and high yielding if not kept in check by winter pruning or green harvesting.
The vine tends to produce small berries but as part of very large, compact clusters that can be susceptible to various viticultural hazards like mildew.
Traditionally Camaraou noir is trained up tree trunks, an ancient practice that dates back to Roman winemaking days.
[1] While Camaraou noir is still a permitted variety in the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wines of Jurançon and Béarn, the vine is very rarely planted there.