One way to reduce spraying against fungal diseases in the vineyard is to plant fungal-resistant grape varieties. These grape varieties are so-called interspecific hybrids, i.e. crossings between Vitis vinifera and another Vitis species, often American, that has good fungal resistance. Sometimes they are called piwi (pilzwiderstandsfähige).
The latest generation of such interspecific hybrids also has good flavour profiles, which makes them more attractive.
The acreage is increasing slightly every year. In France, there are currently around 2,600 hectares, and the two varieties that dominate are souvignier gris (651 ha) and floreal (684 ha), both white varieties.
- souvignier gris
- floreal
These two occupy 60% of the total area planted with resistant varieties.
The largest areas of fungal-resistant grape varieties are in Languedoc-Roussillon, Rhône, Provence, Loire, and the smallest areas are in the regions that primarily produce appellation wines, such as Champagne, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Alsace, Savoie and Jura. The previous generation of interspecific hybrids actually still exists in France on just over 3,000 hectares. The grapes are:
- baco blanc,
- villard noir,
- plantet and
- chambourcin.
Read more: Reussir Vigne
