The white grape variety originates from Moldova. There are about 120 synonyms, indicating great age and wide distribution. Some of them are Ardansky, Balana, Belan, Bely Vinograd, Bilamuca, Plakoun, Plakun, Plavace, Plavai, Plavaï, Plavaia, Plavaie, Plavaj, Plaval and Plavana. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarity, it should not be confused with the Plavec Žuti variety. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is a presumably natural cross between Beala Debela x Zemoasa (Iordan). However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see Molecular genetics). The variety was a crossing partner in the new variety Sukholimansky Bely. It was very popular in Moldova in the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2016, there were 152 hectares of vines in Romania (Kym Anderson).
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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