We may soon be able to enjoy resistant versions of Petite Arvine or Cornalin
In the years to come, new disease-resistant grape varieties closely resembling Valais’s iconic indigenous grapes could emerge. At the Agroscope research station in Leytron, specialists in viticulture and oenology are working to create and select varieties that are durably resistant to major vine diseases, with the goal of reducing chemical treatments. These future varieties will arise from crossings between Valais’s native grapes (such as Petite Arvine and Cornalin) and American or Asian vines that carry natural resistance genes. Instead of a “resistant Petite Arvine” or “resistant Cornalin,” we will discover new varieties that evoke them, much like children who inherit features and character from their parents. Ultimately, the essential point is that consumers embrace the quality of these new wines.
*Agroscope : he Swiss Confederation’s centre of expertise for agricultural and agri-food research.
Resistant varieties born from crossbreeding
Since antiquity, most wines have been made from grape varieties belonging to the European species Vitis vinifera. Starting in the 20th century, resistant grape varieties began to be developed in Europe to combat devastating diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. These new varieties result from crosses between European grapes and others that carry resistance genes originating from American or Asian species.
Learn more through the insights of Jean-Sébastien Reynard, head of viticultural trials at the Leytron station