The red grape variety originates from Greece. Synonyms are Athiri Noir, Mavratheri, Mavrathero, Mavrathira, Mavrathiri and Mavrathiro. The name "Black Athiri" refers to its possible origin from Santorini with the main island of Thira.
According to one hypothesis, the purple-coloured "Theraios Oinos" mentioned by the physician Galen (129-216) was pressed from it. The variety was allegedly used (along with many others) to produce the famous Malvasia wines, which were shipped from the historic Greek harbour of Monemvasia from as early as the 13th century.
The parentage is unknown. It is a mutation of the white Athiri Aspro variety (or vice versa).
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