New grape varieties are regularly approved in France. First, they are preliminarily approved for a few years and then they are entered in the official French grape vine catalogue. Recently, these 8 grapes were enrolled, thanks to one or more of their properties.
These days it is often about resistance to diseases (to reduce spraying) or climate change.
- Cualtacciu, white grape from Corsica, interesting especially for blends due to its high acidity.
- Felen, white grape from the French Southwest, well adapted to warm climates and with a good acidity.
- Fleurtai, white, Italian hybrid, can withstand harsh winters, resistant to mildiou.
- Rossula bianca, white grape from southern Corsica with good resistance to mildiou, oidium and grey rot.
- Uva biancona, white grape from Corsica that gives naturally low alcohol content and a high acidity.
- Vintaghju, red grape from Corsica, gives wines with good acidity, tannin and coulor.
- Xarello, one of the white cava grapes in Catalonia, well adapted to a Mediterranean climate and drought.
- Brustianu, a white grape from southern Corsica, expressive with honey, anise and citrus aromas, suitable for blends.
Read more: LeigFrance.