The white grape variety originates from Greece. Synonyms are Aspro, Condoura, Dobraina Aspri, Dombraina Aspri, Doubraina Aspri, Doumpraina Lefki, Doumprena Aspri, Kontoura Lefki, Koudoura Aspri, Kountoura Aspri, Perachoritico, Perachoritiko, Perahoritiko, Parachoritis, Sabates, Sabbathiano, Sabbatiano, Sakeiko, Saturday Grape, Savathiano, Savvatiano, Savvatiano Perachoritiko, Stamatiano, Tsoumbrena Aspri, Tsoumbrena Lefki and Tsoumprena. It must not be confused with the variety Xynisteri, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms. It is also not a mutation of the red variety Mandilaria (with synonym Kountoura Mavri). According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it is a presumably natural cross between Roditis x Karystino. However, this was based on only 20 DNA markers (see Molecular genetics). However, the father variety was not confirmed in a further analysis carried out in 2021.
The very late-maturing and high-yielding vine is resistant to both powdery mildews and especially drought, which makes it suitable for hot, dry climates. It yields simple, low-acid, neutral bulk wines. The variety is widespread in the regions of central Greece with Attica, Macedonia and Peloponnese, the Cyclades and on Kefallonia. Savatiano is the most important variety for the resinous Retsina. It is also often used as a blending partner for the more acidic varieties Assyrtiko and Roditis for simple branded wines. In 2016, a total of 10,268 hectares were designated, making it by far the most common grape variety in Greece. Compared to 1990, when there were 20,396 hectares, there has been an extreme reduction by more than half in 25 years. This puts it in 69th place in the global grape variety ranking (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Grape: Wines of Athens
Leaf: By Marianne Casamance - Oma teos, CC BY-SA 4.0, Linkki
