The white grape variety originates from France. Synonyms are Branco Especial, Especial Branco, Royal Magdalen grape, Maddaleina Royal, Maddalena Reale, Madeleine Impériale, Madlen Blond, Madlen Roial, Madlen Roiyal, Madlen Royal, Magdalena Kralovska, Magdalene Real, Magdalenka Kralovska and Plant du Caporal. It was bred in 1845 in Angers (Maine-et-Loire) at the Institut Moreau-Robert from a then unknown seedling. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2010, it is probably a natural cross between Pinot x Frankenthal Noir (Schiava Grossa). The variety was a crossing partner in the new varieties Abondant, Frühgipfler, Madeleine Angevine, Prachttraube and Sirio, in some Dalmasso and Pirovano table grapes, as well as the long-sought father variety of Müller-Thurgau. The early-ripening vine has grapes with muscat tones and is sensitive to powdery mildew. It is suitable as a table grape and ornamental vine. In 2016, 0.3 hectares of vines were designated in France in the département of Hérault and 3 hectares in Portugal under the name Branco Especial. Presumably it is the same variety (statistics Kym Anderson).
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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