The white wine variety Torbato is a long-established grape variety that is widespread in Sardinia. In France they are known under the names Malvoisie du Roussillon and Malvoisie des Pyrénées-Orientales, but in the same regions also under the names Tourbat and Torbat. The origin of the torbato probably lies in Spain, from where it came to France and, thanks to Spain's intensive relations with Sardinia, also to the Italian island - probably as early as the 14th or 15th century. However, this has not been proven to date. The variety, which ripens after a medium to long period of time, is very sensitive to powdery mildew and is prone to a virus disease called fanleaf virus, which leads to degeneration of the berries. In Italy, Torbato plantings are limited to the island of Sardinia, primarily to the Alghero region on the northwest coast of the island, and also inland to the Mejllogu region. It is often blended with other types of white wine, but in Alghero there are also considerable single-varietal wines. The best wines in Torbato probably come from the producer Sella & Mosca. The grape variety almost disappeared in France because of its susceptibility to disease, but better vine material has led to a small revival in recent years. Today the Torbato is primarily found in Hérault and Aude in the Languedoc as well as in the Pyrénées-Orientales. It is usually cuveted and is used in fortified wines or in Vin Doux Naturel such as Rivesaltes, Maury or Banyuls. No further plantings outside of Sardinia or southern France are known.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Canina, Caninu, Cuscosedda Bianca, Malvoisie du Roussillon, Malvoisie Tourbat, Malvoisie des Pyrénées-Orientale, Razola, Trubat iberico, Turbato, Turbau, Torbato bianco, Torbat, Tourbat
