Vitis vinifera ‘Tinta’

‘No. 12 – Tinta. Imported by the Australian Agricultural Company, in 1825. Black, with deep red juice, sugary but very austere, not fit to be used alone, but may be very valuable to combine with other grapes for red wine, in the proportion of not exceeding one-fourth (with Nos. 1 [Pineau Gris, 3 [Dolcetto], 9 [Small Black Grape], and 13 [Black Grape], for instance). I have tasted very good wine, in the manufacture of which this grape was used to about the above extent. The bunches are tolerably large, berries small and crowded, produces moderately well. It is said to be cultivated extensively at Madeira, for the manufacture of Tinta Madeira, and to be one of the seven sorts which enter into the composition of the best white wines of the island. A very hardy plant, requiring same room as Nos. 1 and 2 [Pineau Gris and White Grape 57/1]. [Maro p.23/1844].