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.

The Resistant Varieties of the Future

Today, thanks to joint efforts in research and agriculture, 36 resistant grape varieties have been developed and registered in the National Registry. These varieties represent a promising alternative for farmers who wish to cultivate grapes with increased disease resistance, reducing the use of chemical products and contributing to more sustainable agriculture. Among the notable varieties are Solaris, Bronner, Johanniter, Prior, Baron, Cabernet cortis, Cabernet carol, and Cabernet carbon, each with their own unique characteristics that adapt to the specific climatic conditions and soils of our territory. We are proud to be wine artisans committed to the production of resistant varieties, offering high-quality wines that reflect our dedication to a sustainable future.

Valpolicella – A Land of Prestige

Valpolicella, located in the province of Verona, is a land of great prestige for wine production, particularly the renowned Valpolicella organic wine. This area, stretching along the foothills, includes valleys such as Fumane, Marano, Negrar, Valpantena, Val Squaranto, Illasi, and Tramigna.
The privileged location of our vineyards, situated on the upper hills, provides a remarkably beautiful environment. Our vines enjoy excellent south-facing exposure, dry and well-ventilated conditions that protect the grapes from mold and pests. Furthermore, the limestone soil and abundant skeletal structure give our wines an intense color, good structure, and elegant smoothness.

Commitment to Quality and Sustainability

Our winery, Ca dei Conti, is dedicated to producing high-quality wines and promoting sustainability. We have implemented new vineyard systems with the aim of further enhancing the quality of our wines.
We have adopted a high-density planting system, with 9,000 plants per hectare and restrained growth to ensure perfect ripening of 1.5 kg of grapes per plant. During the harvest, we carefully select the grapes and proceed with the drying process, laying the foundation for wines with great personality and enjoyment in the future.

The passion we put into our work is reflected in our wines. We believe that a quality wine is the result of harmony between the land, meticulous vineyard and cellar techniques, and above all, a love for what we do.

Towards Environmentally Friendly Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is becoming an increasingly responsible choice to protect the environment and the health of living beings. Grape cultivation is no exception. It is important to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices, recover local varieties, and select plants that are suitable for the territory and climate.
We counter conventional agriculture, which can pose risks to human health, soil, water, and air pollution, as well as the degradation of the land and the surrounding landscape.

The Potential of Resistant Varieties

Resistant grape varieties offer a promising alternative for sustainable cultivation. Through breeding programs that have lasted over 200 years, grape varieties resistant to vine diseases have been developed. These crossings have given rise to unique varieties that can help reduce the use of pesticides and fungicides.
Solaris, Bronner, Johanniter, Prior, Baron, Cabernet cortis, Cabernet carol, and Cabernet carbon are just some of the available resistant varieties. These varieties have proven to be adaptable to different climatic conditions and offer the opportunity to produce high-quality wines without compromising the environment.
Cultivating resistant varieties is a conscious choice for sustainable agriculture and a better future for the wine industry.