The white grape variety originates from Italy. There are around 40 synonyms that indicate its great age and wide distribution. The most important are Bianchetto, Decanico, Dorana di Venetia, Garganega Bianca, Garganega Comune, Garganega di Gambellara, Garganega Gentile, Garganega Grossa, Garganega Piramidale, Garganega Veronese, Gargania, Garganica, Grecanico, Grecanico Bianco, Grecanico Dorato, Grecenicu Biancu, Lizzara, Ostesa, Ostesona, Recanicu (Italy); Garganega Bijela (Croatia); Malvasía de Manresa (Spain).

This very old vine was already mentioned in the 13th century by Petrus de Crescentiis (1230-1320). As with some other Italian grape varieties such as Greco, a Greek origin is suspected, which would also be confirmed by the occurrence in Sicily. To date, however, no genetic links to Greek varieties have been established. It probably originates from the province of Verona in Veneto.
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