The white grape variety originates from the island state of Malta. The name probably derives from the village of Girgenti in the southwest of the island of Malta. Synonyms are Ghirgenthina, Girgentina Blanche and Insolja Tal-Girgenti. DNA analyses carried out in 2010 have not yet revealed any relations to Sicilian varieties (such as Inzolia, which has been suspected for some time). The late-ripening vine is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially botrytis. It yields fresh, low-alcohol white wines that tend to oxidise. The variety is also used as table grape. The area under cultivation on the two main islands of Malta and Gozo is estimated at about 200 hectares. However, no stock was reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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