The red grape variety originates from the Balkan region; probably Bulgaria or Greece. Synonyms are Ceaus, Ceren, Chambata, Chefka, Cheren Chaush, Chevka, Chondromavro, Gordo Cheren, Kara Tchaoush, Mavrouti, Nazlikara, Nazlun Kara, Nichefika, Nichefka, Nicheftka, Nichevka, Shevka, Sefka Nichevka, Sefko, Sephka, Sephko, Sevka, Slivenska Cherna and Sramezhlivo Grozde. The ancestry (parentage) is unknown. Despite the synonym, it should not be confused with the independent variety Chondromavro. The biologist Dr. José Vouillamoz distinguishes two varieties, namely Sefka with origin Greece and Shevka with origin Bulgaria. They are similar in DNA profile, but in his opinion they are not identical. Only one variety is listed in the VIVC catalogue. It is used as a winepress and table grape.
The late-maturing, high-yielding vine is susceptible to both powdery mildews, but moderately resistant to botrytis. The medium-maturing, high-yielding vine yields light red wines with moderate alcohol and low acidity. In Greece, these are mostly blended with the varieties Karnachalades and Moschomavro.The variety is cultivated in the Greek regions of Thrace (here Chondromavro), Macedonia (where true Chondromavro grows) and Thessaly. In Bulgaria, it is cultivated in the central east. However, no populations were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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