Sheep Tail

The white grape variety originates from Portugal. The name means 'sheep's tail' and refers to the typical shouldered grape shape. Synonyms include lamb's tail, Fernan Piriz, Medósc, Rabigato, Rabigato dos Vinhos Verdes, Rabo del Ovelho Branco, and Rabo de Ovella. It should not be confused with the variety Rabigato (Rabo de Gato = cat's tail) despite morphological similarities. According to 2021 DNA analyses, it is presumably a natural cross between Cayetana Blanca x unknown parent variety.

The medium ripening grape varieties is susceptible to downy mildew, Botrytis, and water stress, but resistance to shatter. It produces aromatic, high alcohol white wines, which are mostly used as blend. The variety is cultivated in the regions of Alentejo and Beiras. In 2016, 563 hectares of vineyard area were recorded with a sharply declining trend; in 2010 there were still 908 hectares (Statistics Kym Anderson Kym).

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Sheep Tail

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