The white grape variety originates from Portugal. The mispronounced name probably refers to the elongated grape shape and means "cat's tail" (Rabo de Gato), with some synonyms also suggesting "monkey's tail" or "sheep's tail". Synonyms are Alva, Baldsena, Carrega Besta, Estreito, Estreito Macios, Muscatel Brava, Muscatel Bravo, Não Há, Rabigato Respigueiro, Rabisgatos, Rabo de Asno, Rabo de Carneiro, Rabo de Gato, Rodrigo Affonso, Rodrigo Alfonso, Roupeiro (Portugal); Puesta en Cruz (Spain).

The variety was first mentioned in 1771. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Cayetana Blanca x an unknown parent variety. It should not be confused with the varieties Donzelinho Branco, Estreito Macio, Fernão Pires (synonym Maria Gomes), Malvasia Fina or Rabo de Ovelha (synonym Rabigato) due to some of the same synonyms or morphological similarities. Direct descendants are the varieties Côdega de Larinho, Praca and Rabigato Moreno.
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