The ancient, white grape variety (also Argitis) was mentioned as one of a total of 58 grape varieties by Columella (1st half of 1st century) in his textbook "De re rustica". The variety is described as particularly robust and fertile, but the wine produced from it as rather simple and not long-lasting. Some modern authors claim to have identified it as the forerunner of Riesling, which has since been disproved by Riesling's descent from Heunisch (Gouais Blanc), as proven by DNA analysis. See also under Ancient Grape Varieties and Ancient Wines.
I have great respect for the scope and quality of the wein.plus encyclopaedia. It is a unique place to go for crisp, sound information on terms from the world of wine.
Dr. Edgar Müller
Dozent, Önologe und Weinbauberater, Bad Kreuznach