Listán Prieto is an important grape variety, although hardly anyone knows it by this name. In addition, it almost became extinct in Europe; it is only still widespread in the Canary Islands and is used to produce wine. The Listán Prieto is much better known under the names Mission and País. Its origins lie in Castile-La Mancha, Spain. In the mid-16th century, the Listán was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors. From there the variety spread to Chile, where it was later renamed País, and to Argentina, where the Listán is called Criolla Chica. In both countries the variety still plays a major role today, be it for the production of inexpensive wines or, to an even greater extent, for the production of brandy. The Spanish also brought the Listán to Cailfornia, where it was baptized with the name Mission. However, it is in sharp decline here; a few hundred hectares still exist in the Central Valley, where it is mostly used for fortified wines in the sherry or port style. Through various crosses, the Listán Prieto was also the inspiration for various grape varieties known today, such as the Torrontes Riojano and the Torrontes Sanjuanino in Argentina. The Listán Prieto is vigorous and produces good yields, especially since it is almost resistant to drought stress. This makes it seem very suitable for the warm wine-growing countries of the New World. He is particularly susceptible to Pierce's disease. In Europe, if you can find wines from Listán Prieto from the Canary Islands on the market at all.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Criolla Chica, Criolla
