November 28, 2024 - 0 comments
What are hybrid grape varieties and why do they help to promote ecological viticulture? We take a look.
Hybrid cars, hybrid robots... Hybrid Grapes? When most people hear the word "hybrid", they think of technology—cars, gadgets, or something involving cutting-edge science. So it’s no surprise that “hybrid wine” might conjure up images of GMOs or some synthetic supergrape. But hybrid grapes are something entirely different.
Hybrid grapes are created by mixing two grapevine species using cross-polination, typically a European variety like Vitis vinifera (which includes classics like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling) and a North American species like Vitis labrusca or Vitis riparia. These lesser-known species are characterized by disease resistance and cold tolerance, characteristics that traditional European varieties often lack. Indeed, they have been instrumental in the development of modern viticulture, especially in the creation of resistant rootstocks and hybrid varieties.
The development of hybrids began in the 1800s, largely as a response to crises in European vineyards. Devastating diseases and pathogen agents like powdery mildew, oïdium and phylloxera were introduced from North America, decimating European vines. Since North American grape species had natural resistance to these threats, crossing them with Vitis vinifera created hardier varieties.
The first intentional hybrid varieties were developed in 1852 by Dr. William Valk in Long Island and were soon adopted across Europe to safeguard vineyards. However, by the mid-20th century, the rise of chemical farming provided new tools like pesticides and fungicides to manage vineyard pests and diseases in addition to copper and sulfur, which were previously used. These advancements made it easier to grow traditional European grapes, which were often seen as more prestigious. As a result, hybrid grapes fell out of favor and were even banned in some countries, sidelined in favor of iconic varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
However, in the 1950s, researchers in Germany and Switzerland began working on more sophisticated crosses, using more advanced genetic methods.
The goal was to create resistant grape varieties with qualities comparable to Vitis vinifera. It was during this period that the concept of PIWI began to emerge. PIWI vines are fungal disease-resistant vine varieties developed through crosses between Vitis vinifera and other vine species that possess natural resistance to fungi such as downy mildew and powdery mildew. The term “PIWI” comes from the German acronym “Pilzwiderstandsfähig,” meaning “fungus resistant.” As interest in sustainability in viticulture increased, PIWIs gained popularity in the 1990s. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy were among the main promoters of PIWI research and cultivation.
Fast forward to today, hybrid grapes are making a comeback, especially among natural winemakers. Their resilience allows for minimal intervention farming, aligning with the ethos of sustainable viticulture. They thrive in harsh climates and require fewer chemical treatments, making them a practical choice in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. And let’s be honest—less vineyard spraying is better for everyone, right?
Although hybrid grapes offer a wide range of flavor profiles, natural winemakers like Valentin Morel and Didier Grappe in France, Patrick & Karoline Uccelli, Leila Grasselli & Dominic Würth in Italy, Servaas Blockeel in Belgium have proven their potential by crafting remarkable wines that showcase the unique characteristics of these varieties.
More winemakers around the world are starting to experiment with hybrid grapes, testing their capabilities and potential in diverse conditions. Their natural resistance to fungal diseases and their ability to adapt to difficult climatic conditions mean that the use of chemical treatments can be considerably reduced. In this way, these resistant grape varieties contribute to the defense of ecological viticulture.
If you’d like to dig deeper we more we highly recommend Pascaline Lepeltier’s book One Thousand vines, A new way to understand wine.
Cheers!
Hybrid Wine Fairs
