The white grape variety originates from South America(Argentina) and belongs to the group of Criollas (see there the history in detail). Synonyms are Chichera, Loca Blanca, Palet and Torrontés. Despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities, it must not be confused with the varieties Moscatel Amarillo, Torrontés Riojano or Torrontés Sanjuanino. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2017, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Muscat d'Alexandrie x unknown partner. It is an all-female grape variety. It produces white wines with a subtle muscat tone. The variety is grown in Argentina in the provinces of Mendoza and Río Negro. In 2016, 653 hectares of vines were reported with a decreasing trend (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
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