More and more fungus-resistant hybrids are being allowed in France. Or perhaps a better wording: lesser prone to disease. Four new varieties, two whites and two reds, were recently introduced. These can be planted and vinified until further notice for ten years and then evaluated. The two whites, kersus and pinot iskra, resist downy and powdery mildew very well.
Kersus produces, says the nursery, a wine reminiscent of chardonnay with a hint of pinot gris.
Pinot iskra can only be known under its number, UD.109-033, as the French do not want names similar to Vitis vinifera grapes (with good reason it seems to us; unlike Italy who likes it). It is suitable for sparkling or aromatic wines to be drunk relatively quickly.
The red pinot kors (UD.156-537) also resist very well fungal diseases. It produces large yields, 16 tons per hectare, and has intense aromas of red fruits and cherries, silky tannins, and a relatively dark colour.
Volturnis is highly resistant to downy mildew, but not to powdery mildew. It produces high yields, and the wines have intense aromas of ripe red fruits suitable for ageing.
However, no fungus-resistant grapes have total resistance to severe attacks by mildew, as this summer has shown. Some spraying is always required.
Read more: vitisphere
(Alb de Onitcani is a hybrid developed in Moldova.)
