The white grape variety originates from Spain. Synonyms are Cartoixà, Cartuxa, Moll, Pansa Blanca, Pansal, Premsal Blanca, Xarell-Lo, Xarel-Lo, Xarel-Lo, Xarello Blanco, Xarelo, Xarelo Blanco and Xerello. The name is said to derive from the Italian "chiarello", which means Clairet (French term for a light red wine type).
It was mentioned under the name Xerello as early as 1785 in its probable place of origin, Penedès. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2015, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Hebén x Brustiano Faux (faux = false). However, a further analysis in 2021 revealed an unknown father variety. It should not be confused with the Cayetana Blanca, Macabeo or Prensal varieties due to partly identical synonyms or morphological similarities. There is also the colour mutation with reddish berries Xarello Rosado. It is not known whether there is a relationship with the Xarello Cataluna, Xarello Mascarese or Xarello Negro varieties.
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