The white grape variety comes from Greece from the island of Crete. Synonyms are Bechleri, Begler Aspro, Bagler Blanc, Begleri, Beghleri, Beileria, Dafnato and Daphnato. It is believed that the variety (among many others) was used to produce the famous Malvasia wines, which were shipped or exported from the historic Greek port of Monemvasia as early as the 13th century. DNA analyses carried out in 2007 disproved the long-held assumption that it was identical to the Athiri Aspro variety. Rather, it is identical to the Begleri variety grown in the Cyclades and closely related to the Vidiano variety. However, the parentage is unknown. The red-berried Begleri Kokkino variety is a colour mutation. The variety produces aromatic, acidic white wines with an aroma of tropical fruits and is considered the "Greek version of Sauvignon Blanc". It is mostly used as a blending partner for the nobler Assyrtiko. It is also used as table grape. The variety is cultivated on some Aegean islands, the Cyclades and the Peloponnese. In 2016, 27 hectares were designated (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
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