The red grape variety originates from Spain or South America and belongs to the group of the so-called Criollas (see there the history in detail). Synonyms are Criolla Grande Sanjuanina, Criolla San Juanina, Criolla Sanjuanina, Criolla Sanjuanino, Criolla San Juanino, Criollina San Juanina, Sanjuanina Rosada and Uva Tierna. It was either introduced to South America (Argentina) with other varieties from Spain (Canary Islands) as early as the mid-16th century or originated there. According to the latest DNA analyses carried out in 2018, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Criolla Chica (Listán Prieto) x Muscat d'Alexandrie. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics).
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)