The white grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Aragnan, Aragnan Blanc, Araignan, Araignan Blanc, Gallet or Gallet Blanc, Grosse Clairette, Milhaud Blanc, Papadoux, Oeillade Blanche and Picardan Blanc. It must not be confused with the Bourboulenc (Picardan) or Clairette (Oeillade Blanche) varieties, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms. The varieties Bouchalès and Cinsaut (both with synonym Picardan Noir) are not colour mutations (or vice versa). It is an old grape variety from Provence, possibly mentioned as early as 1554 but confirmed in 1715, where it was cultivated quite widely under various names such as Oeillade Blanche and Araignan Blanc and also in Languedoc. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a blending partner in the then popular sweet wine Picardan.
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