The white grape variety originates from Greece. Synonyms are Agriostaphylo, Amasia, Amasia Blanc, Amassia, Cheimoniatiko, Chimoniatiko, Dopio, Foustani, Karatsova Naousis, Karatzovitico, Karatzovitiko, Ntopia, Opsimo, Opsimo d'Edessa, Opsimos Edessis, Opsimos Lefko, Pandiri, Pascalino, Paschalino, Pascolino, Raisin de Foustani, Raisin de Karatzova, Staphyli Edessis, Staphyli Karatzavas, Staphyli Karatzovas (Greece); Belo Zimsko, Valandovski Drenek, Zimsko Belo (Northern Macedonia). It should not be confused with the Turkish table grape Amasya, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses last carried out in 2019, it is a presumably natural cross between Parmak Cerven x Achladi. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics). The late-maturing vine is susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis. It produces low-acid and low-alcohol white wines, which are also used for the traditional resin wine Retsina. However, the variety is mainly used as table grape. It is cultivated in the north of Greece in Macedonia. There are also small populations in neighbouring northern Macedonia. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)