Resistant Varieties – PIWI Grapes – A journey towards “true” Organic farming.
Resistant Grape Varieties – An Ethical Choice for Sustainable Agriculture
Resistant grape varieties represent an ethical choice in the realm of sustainable agriculture. We support agriculture that respects the environment and living beings by promoting the recovery of local varieties adapted to the territory and the climate in which they are cultivated. Unlike conventional agriculture, which can pose risks to human health and contribute to soil, water, and air pollution, resulting in biodiversity loss, we are committed to preserving the commercial value of properties adjacent to the vineyards and conserving precious natural resources such as the land and landscape.
Crossbreeding and Selection of Resistant Varieties
The history of selecting resistant grape varieties dates back to centuries ago. As early as the 1800s, the technique of artificial crossbreeding was developed to obtain new grape cultivars. These crosses occur between plants of the same Vitis genus but different species such as Vinifera, Rotundifolia, Muscadine, and others. Since then, crossbreeding programs have been active for over two centuries, aiming to introduce disease resistances in grapevines. Several crosses have led to the creation of unique varieties, contributing to viticultural diversity.
The Resurgence of Resistant Varieties
After a period when hybrid varieties were limited and prohibited, a new beginning emerged. Today, the cultivation of resistant varieties is once again allowed. In 2015, the Veneto region reopened the doors to the cultivation of these varieties, opening a new chapter for sustainable agriculture. This decision has provided farmers with new opportunities to adopt more environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, promoting responsible viticulture.