The white grape variety (also Velana) originates from Greece, probably from the island of Crete.
It is said that the variety (like many others) was used to produce the famous Malvasia wines, which were shipped from the historic Greek harbour of Monemvasia from as early as the 13th century.
According to DNA analyses carried out in 2021, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Albanello x unknown parent variety (ex VIVC catalogue). According to DNA analyses carried out in 2007, it is closely related to the varieties Aitonychi Mavro (Piperionos) and Vidiano (ex Wine Grapes).
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Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden