Sercial
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Esgana Cao, Uva Cao, Cachorrinho, Uva de Cao
Sercial is a red wine grape with signature aromas of lemon peel, walnut, sea spray. Structure: Medium body, High acidity, Low tannin, High alcohol. Often confused with Chenin Blanc and Semillon.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Start with acidity and oxidative nut-citrus profile in fortified contexts.
- Check for dry, saline, and almond tones rather than rich sweetness.
Confidence signals
- High acidity with walnut-citrus profile
- Dry oxidative finish with sea-spray note
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Madeira · Seixal · Camara de Lobos · Portugal / Dão / Carregal do Sal · Portugal / Dão / Serra da Estrela
- Classic styles: High-acid dry Madeira base grape · Oxidatively aged fortified white base
Common questions
Is Sercial a red or white grape variety?
Sercial is a red wine grape variety.
What does Sercial smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Sercial include lemon peel, walnut and sea spray. Structural profile: Medium body, High acidity, Low tannin, High alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Sercial?
Documented tells for Sercial: Start with acidity and oxidative nut-citrus profile in fortified contexts. and Check for dry, saline, and almond tones rather than rich sweetness..
What is Sercial most often confused with in blind tasting?
Sercial is most commonly confused with Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Savagnin. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Sercial grown?
Classic regions for Sercial include Madeira, Seixal, Camara de Lobos and Portugal / Dão / Carregal do Sal.