The white grape variety originates from Trentino-Alto Adige(Italy) or from France. Synonyms are Versailler, White Versoalen and White Versailler. There are three versions of the interpretation of this peculiar name. It could be derived from the local dialect word "verdolen" for "green" with regard to berry colour or "versoaln" from the pergola form of cultivation. Versioaln could also be a corruption of "Versailles" (city near Paris). According to a legendary tale, it was introduced to northern Italy from there in the 15th century by Count Schlandesberg, owner of Castel Katzenzungen near the municipality of Tisens Prissian between Bolzano and Merano (province of Bolzano).
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)