The white grape variety originates from Greece, presumably from the island of Crete. Synonyms are Athiri, Bechleri, Beghleri, Begler Aspro, Begler Blanc, Begleri, Beileria, Dafnato and Daphnato.
It is said that the variety (like many others) was used to produce the famous Malvasia wines, which were shipped from the historic Greek port of Monemvasia from as early as the 13th century.
The parentage (parentage) is unknown. It should not be confused with the morphologically very similar Athiri Aspro variety. It is identical to the Begleri variety grown in the Cyclades and closely related to the Vidiano variety (ex Wine Grapes). The red-berried variety Begleri Kokkino is a colour mutation.
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)