The white grape variety originates from the Mediterranean region (Italy or Spain). Synonyms grouped alphabetically by country are Farana, Faranah, Farranah (Algeria); Valencí(Argentina); Farana (Australia); Espagnol, Majorquen, Majorquin, Mayorcain, Mayorcain Blanc, Mayorkin, Mayorquen, Mayorquen Blanc, Mayorquin, Mayorquin Blanc (France); Damaschena, Damaschina (Italy); Alicante Branco, Boal Cachudo, Boal de Alicante, Cachuso no Douro,(Portugal); Monstruosa, Planta Angort, Planta Augort, Planta Fina (2nd main name), Planta Fina (3rd main name). Main name), Planta Fina de Pedralba, Planta Pedralba (Spain); Beldi (Tunisia). Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, it should not be confused with the varieties Trebbiano Toscano or Verdejo. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2018, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Hebén x unknown partner. Damaschino was a crossing partner of the new variety Palestina under the name Mayorquin, as well as a parent in the variety Santa Magdalena, which was probably created by natural crossing.
The variety has been known on the island of Sicily since the middle of the 19th century. According to an unverifiable hypothesis, it was introduced from Damascus in Syria as early as the 9th or 10th century during Arab rule. However, there is no proof of this; it originates from the Mediterranean region. The high-yielding, medium-maturing vine is resistant to drought but susceptible to downy mildew. It produces powerful, aromatic white wines.
In Italy, it is registered in Sicily for the DOC wines Alcamo, Delia Nivolelli, Marsala, Menfi and Sicilia and occupies 52 hectares. In Spain, it is cultivated in the Levante region in the DO areas of Alicante and Valencia on 163 hectares. And in Portugal, it occupies 880 hectares in the Beira Interior and Madeira DOC areas. In Argentina, a total of 527 hectares were recorded under the name Valencí. In Algeria, Australia and Tunisia, it is mostly used as table grape. In 2016, a total of 1,622 hectares of vines were recorded with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
