The red grape variety (also Gelleuza) originates from the island of Malta. DNA analyses carried out in 2010 disproved a suspected relationship to the Italian variety Mammolo; however, the parentage is unknown. The medium to late ripening vine is susceptible to botrytis and fungal diseases in general. It produces simple, low-alcohol red wines with soft tannins and aromas of spices and cherries. The variety is often blended with Syrah and also used for rosé wines. It is also used as table grape. No stock was recorded in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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