Rabigato
The widepread wild white
This white grape variety likely got its name from its native village in Portugal, Rabigato. However, it could also be an allusion to the appearance of the grape clusters, as their shape is reminiscent of a cat’s tail (“Rabo de Gato”).
Rabigato was first mentioned in writing in 1531. Today, it is cultivated on over 2,000 hectares in Portugal.
The berries provide alcohol-rich wines with pronounced acidity, which is why Rabigato is often used in the production of port wine.