The white grape variety originates either from France or from Spain. Synonyms grouped alphabetically by country are Malvoisie des Pyrénées-Orientales, Malvoisie du Roussillon, Malvoisie Tourbat, Torbat, Tourbat, Turbat (France); Canina, Caninu, Cuscosedda Bianca, Torbato Bianco, Uva Catalana (Italy). It should not be confused with the Mauzac Blanc variety due to morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it originates from a presumably natural cross between Hebén x unknown partner. However, this is based on only 20 DNA markers (see molecular genetics). Despite the Spanish parent, it no longer plays a role in this country or there are no stocks there.
According to an unprovable hypothesis, it was introduced from the Iberian Peninsula to Sardinia sometime during the Spanish occupation from 1323 to 1720. The medium to late ripening, high-yielding vine is susceptible to powdery mildew and brushwood disease. It produces golden-yellow, full-bodied, acidic white wines with aromas of apples and pears and a bitter aftertaste. In France, it used to be widely grown under the name Tourbat in Roussillon. It is authorised in the Côtes du Roussillon area, as well as in the various vin doux naturels such as Banyuls, Maury, Rivesaltes and Grand Roussillon. In France, it occupies 31 hectares of vines. In Italy, it is grown on 15 hectares on the island of Sardinia in the Alghero DOC area. In 2016, a total of 46 hectares of vineyards were designated (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012.
Image: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
