The white grape variety originates from Portugal. The name means "sheep's tail" (lamb's tail) and refers to the typical shouldered and elongated grape shape. Synonyms are Lämmerschwanz, Fernan Piriz, Medóc, Medock, Rabigato, Rabigato dos Vinhos Verdes, Rabo del Ovelho Branco and Rabo de Ovella.

According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Cayetana Blanca x unknown father variety. Due to morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the Rabigato variety (Rabo de Gato = cattail). A direct descendant is the Vital variety.
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