Resistance Revolution: Growing vineyard resilience

The Future of Wine: Disease Resistant Varieties⁤ Take Root‍ in New Zealand

The⁣ global⁢ wine industry is​ facing a growing ⁢number of challenges,from climate change to the⁤ increasing demand for ​enduring practices. One innovative solution gaining traction is ​the growth of disease-resistant ‌grape varieties (DRVs). These new varieties, bred using advanced technology⁤ rather than genetic ⁣modification,offer the potential ⁢to dramatically reduce the need for pesticides and ​herbicides.

A Revolution in Grape Breeding

Riversun,a New Zealand-based​ viticulture‍ company,is at the forefront of introducing drvs to the country. In March‍ 2023, they received their first shipment of these resilient vines from Europe. Geoff,RiversunS representative,highlights⁣ the excitement surrounding this new technology: “One of the key solutions is genetics… and we’re really excited ⁢to be‌ at the forefront of‌ that within the New Zealand wine‌ industry.”

viticultural consultant Dr. ⁣David jordan (DJ) ‍echoes Geoff’s enthusiasm, calling the potential of DRVs “nothing ‌short of phenomenal”. Both witnessed firsthand the struggles ⁢European winegrowers face with ⁢diseases like downy and powdery mildew,often requiring 20 seperate sprayings to protect​ their crops. In contrast,neighboring​ blocks planted with DRVs thrived without any chemical intervention.

From Europe to⁤ New Zealand

The success of DRVs ​in Europe is already evident. Some winemakers are exclusively producing wines from these varieties,governments are embracing ⁢them,and DRV grapes are even approved for blending ‍in Champagne. A landmark moment came in August​ 2023 when‍ the UK supermarket chain Tesco launched Tesco Finest “Floreal”,a wine made entirely from a DRV.This ⁣brave move, ‍as wine writer ⁢jamie Goode pointed out, has the potential ​to significantly reduce ⁣the ‍carbon footprint of wine production. ⁤

In⁣ New Zealand, Cloudy ⁣Bay Technical and Sustainable Development Director Jim White is ⁤spearheading the DRV movement. Introduced to their potential by⁣ Cloudy Bay’s parent company,Moët Hennessy,in 2022,Jim recognizes ‍the transformative ⁤power of these varieties in the face​ of increasing pressure ‌to reduce agricultural spraying. He has been working closely with Riversun on their⁢ import project, particularly excited about the potential of Sauvignon Nepis, a variety he believes could thrive in Marlborough, offering the typical characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc while requiring significantly less‌ spraying.

A Cautious Optimism

While the future of drvs in New Zealand looks promising, ⁣there are challenges to ⁢overcome. New Zealand is one of the few countries free of grapevine Pinot ‍Gris virus (GPGV),a new and highly contagious virus ‌prevalent in Europe. Protecting⁢ the local industry from this threat is paramount.

Despite these challenges, jim‌ White remains optimistic about the future.​ He⁤ believes that ​once people see DRVs ⁣flourishing in New Zealand vineyards and taste the wines they produce,interest will surge. “I think ​that’s⁣ when we’re⁤ going‌ to see ‌the important upswing in‍ interest – when ‍we ⁣can get some⁢ liquid to lips.”

The journey from vine⁤ to⁤ glass is long, but the potential benefits of ​DRVs are undeniable. They⁢ offer a sustainable and resilient future for the New Zealand wine industry, one that ⁤prioritizes both quality and environmental‌ responsibility.

Riversun Nurseries Embraces Disease-Resistant Grapevines for a ‌Sustainable Future

Riversun Nurseries, a leading New Zealand grapevine‍ nursery, is embarking on a groundbreaking⁢ journey into​ the world of disease-resistant vines (DRVs). This exciting development‌ promises ‍to revolutionize ⁤the‌ wine industry by reducing‍ reliance on pesticides and promoting sustainable ⁢viticulture.

A Paradigm Shift in Viticulture

Geoff, a director at Riversun, remembers the‍ initial skepticism surrounding DRVs. ⁢ Hybrid grapes had ‌a ⁣checkered past, facing bans in Europe during​ the 1960s due ​to concerns about wine quality. However, a chance encounter with⁤ Jim, ​a passionate advocate for DRVs, ⁢sparked Geoff’s curiosity. Jim’s enthusiasm for the innovative wines and⁤ vines he had encountered in Italy ignited a desire to explore these possibilities for​ New⁢ Zealand.

Intrigued by ‍the rapid ‌progress in Europe,​ Geoff delved into the global DRV breeding landscape. He forged strong relationships with key ⁣breeders, recognizing the importance ​of trust and collaboration in this specialized field. This laid ⁣the foundation for Riversun’s enterprising DRV project.

Navigating the⁤ Complex ‍World of DRVs

Bringing DRVs⁤ to new Zealand presents unique challenges. The country’s strict biosecurity regulations require​ rigorous testing​ to⁣ ensure that ⁣imported‍ material is free from‌ Grapevine Fanleaf Virus (GPGV).This ⁢means sourcing​ GPGV-free vines or undertaking a lengthy “cleaning up” process,‍ which can​ take ‍several years. ⁣

Riversun has secured DRVs from California, ⁢France, and, through a meticulous cleaning⁢ process, Italy.

They carefully selected varieties known for⁢ their disease resistance,‌ high yield,⁢ and ⁤compatibility with‌ Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand’s most iconic‌ grape variety. The journey towards ‌finding the perfect DRV is ongoing, with Riversun committed to continuous exploration and betterment.

Even after arriving in ​New Zealand, DRVs ⁣face further hurdles.Acclimatizing to the unique terroir of New Zealand is crucial,‍ as traits triumphant in other regions may not translate perfectly. The‌ Ministry for Primary ‌Industries (MPI) ​ plays a vital role in ensuring the safe introduction of these⁢ new vines.

In addition to disease resistance, Riversun recognizes the importance of wine quality.‌ “Resistance traits can be derailed by ​susceptibility traits,” Geoff explains.”Phenotypic ⁢work—testing vines ⁤in vineyard conditions—is essential to validate genetic resistance.”

A Collaborative Approach to a Sustainable Future

Riversun’s DRV ⁤project⁣ is a collaborative effort. Mauro, a​ former Riversun ‌employee now working ‍as their DRV⁣ expert in Europe, attends workshops and builds ⁣relationships with breeders such as Vivai Cooperativi‍ Rauscedo in Northern Italy and ENTAV in France.

Riversun’s vision gained momentum with⁢ the ​Vision‌ 40:40 event in February ​2023.This event‌ not only ⁤showcased ​their DRV plans​ but also called for industry ‍support in securing ‍MPI quarantine space. The‍ overwhelming positive response energized⁣ riversun, solidifying⁤ their​ commitment to this pioneering endeavor.

Geoff,his wife Anna,and Mauro ⁤embarked on a trip ⁢to Italy and Germany ⁣in October 2023 to finalize licensee agreements. In February 2024, a‍ DRV tasting ‌event in Marlborough brought together key winemakers from major companies, further ‍fueling excitement for‍ these groundbreaking ⁢vines.

The team later​ returned to Europe to‍ stay abreast of the latest DRV ‌developments, demonstrating their unwavering dedication ‌to innovation.

Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes: A New Dawn for ⁣New⁢ Zealand’s Wine Industry?

New Zealand’s wine industry is renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc and [Pinot Noir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinot_noir). However,the⁤ industry faces increasing⁤ pressure from⁤ climate change,resulting⁢ in higher ⁤disease susceptibility and tighter harvest windows.​

This ⁤has led ‍researchers and winemakers like Geoff Poole of Indevin and​ Patrick Materman,⁢ Indevin Director of Winegrowing,⁣ on a search for solutions. ⁢Their quest has taken them to Europe, where they witnessed firsthand the devastating impact⁢ of [downy mildew](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/downy-mildew) on traditional ​European ‌grape varieties.This experience underscored the ​urgency of finding more resilient ‌grape ⁢varieties.

The⁣ Promise of Disease-Resistant ⁤Varieties (DRVs)

driven by‍ these observations, ‌Indevin embarked on⁣ a journey to identify and evaluate Disease-Resistant Varieties‌ (DRVs) with ​the potential ‍to thrive in New ‍Zealand’s ‌changing climate.​ Their mission is threefold:

Patrick Materman

The first priority is robust disease resistance, particularly ⁢against pervasive threats like powdery and downy mildew. While ⁢these DRVs are expected to require⁤ occasional strategic spraying to prevent potential fungal mutations,​ they promise a significant reduction in overall chemical use compared to conventional ⁤varieties.

“Spray rounds ⁢have crept⁤ up from 10 to 15 rounds a season to 15 to ‌20⁤ rounds,” notes Materman, reflecting on⁣ the escalating need for ⁣fungicides in New Zealand’s vineyards over the past decade.

“My view is that you will get⁢ pretty⁢ solid buy-in from operations or vineyards wanting to reduce spray rounds and have varieties more resistant to​ disease pressure.

”

A Supporting Act‍ for ⁢Sauvignon Blanc

The second goal‌ is to ensure compatibility with New Zealand’s flagship variety, Sauvignon Blanc. Recognizing the significant role Sauvignon Blanc plays in‌ the country’s wine industry,the⁢ team​ aims ‍to find DRV varieties⁢ that complement and ​enhance Sauvignon Blanc,rather⁣ than replace it.

Patrick Materman explains, “Its international point of difference around⁣ pure ​aromatic intensity and fresh natural acidity.”

The ⁢focus is on identifying “logical partners” for blending – varieties that bring unique qualities ‍to the​ table while respecting New⁣ Zealand’s⁤ established winemaking identity.

Facing the Future with Resilient Vines

The third priority revolves around high and reliable yields, a crucial factor⁢ in responding to the ⁢rising costs of wine production.

Geoff Poole​ highlights the ⁢importance of this aspect, stating, “One of⁣ the levers we can shift is yield.”

drvs capable of consistently producing high yields offer a valuable tool for mitigating financial pressures in the face of changing climate conditions.

Another critical factor is later ripening and higher acidity, qualities that ‌become increasingly desirable in ⁣a warming world where vintages are starting earlier and ‍becoming more compressed.

“In a ⁢world of climate change… having​ somthing⁢ which is later ripening and retains the acidity would‍ be a​ real plus,” Poole observes.

The‌ future of New Zealand’s wine⁣ industry may well lie in ​embracing⁣ these innovative DRVs.⁢ By prioritizing disease resistance, yield, and blending compatibility, Indevin is paving the ‍way for ​a more sustainable and resilient winemaking landscape.

From Europe to New Zealand: A Winemaker’s Journey Back to His ⁣roots

The world of winemaking is steeped ​in tradition, but​ it’s also constantly evolving.As climate change ⁢makes its presence known and consumer tastes ⁢shift, growers and ‌vintners are always on the lookout for new and improved ⁢grape varieties. One such variety,called Cabernet Blanc,has a⁤ unique story that spans continents ⁢and showcases the power of innovation in⁣ viticulture.

This⁤ white disease-resistant variety was ⁤the ‌brainchild of Swiss grape ​breeder Valentin Blattner, who developed​ it while living in New ​Zealand during the late 1980s. A cross‍ between Cabernet sauvignon and resistant vines, Cabernet Blanc quickly gained ⁣recognition for its excellent growing characteristics and impressive resilience to fungal diseases.Today, it is indeed considered one of the leading ⁤ disease-resistant varieties (DRVs) in europe.

However,‍ Blattner’s journey with Cabernet Blanc⁢ in New ‌Zealand ⁢was not without its challenges. During the 1980s, hybrid grapes were met with resistance from some quarters‍ of the industry, while Sauvignon Blanc was only beginning to gain traction.Despite the lack of support, Blattner believed in the potential of his creation. Unfortunately, he had to ⁢return to Europe ⁤to‌ further develop Cabernet Blanc and other hybrid varieties.

Geoff Thorpe,⁢ founder of Riversun, recently ⁣met with ‍blattner on⁤ a research trip⁢ to Europe. Thorpe was impressed by the progress Blattner had‍ made and is excited to see‌ Cabernet Blanc and other‌ promising varieties planted in New Zealand soil.

“I am ⁢always ​trying to‍ translate what they ​will⁢ taste like grown in New Zealand, and I think ⁣the flavours ⁢will be amplified,” Thorpe noted,⁤ highlighting his belief in the unique ​terroir of New Zealand. He acknowledges that genotype is only ‌part of the equation,emphasizing that “the proof is in the phenotype.⁢ Getting⁤ them​ planted and seeing what particular ⁣attributes there are when‍ grown‍ in ​this ⁣place.”

How do the stringent biosecurity ⁢measures in New‍ Zealand, designed ⁣to‌ protect vineyards ⁢from‍ harmful‍ pathogens, impact the timeline and ‌cost ​associated with introducing disease-resistant grapevines?

Ating, “We need varieties that⁢ not only resist⁢ disease but also deliver consistent yields to⁢ ensure economic viability for our growers.” This⁢ focus on yield ​stability‍ is essential as the wine industry grapples with the dual challenges of⁣ climate change and increasing production costs.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the potential of DRVs ‌is ⁤immense, their adoption‌ in New zealand is not without ⁤challenges.The country’s stringent‍ biosecurity measures, as mentioned earlier, require extensive ⁣testing and quarantine processes to ensure that imported vines⁢ are‌ free from harmful pathogens⁣ like Grapevine Fanleaf ⁣Virus (GPGV). this process can be time-consuming and costly, but it is a necessary step to protect​ New Zealand’s vineyards from new diseases.

Additionally, the success ⁤of DRVs in New zealand ​will depend on their ability to adapt to the unique terroir‍ of the region. Traits that​ make a grapevine prosperous in Europe or California may ‍not necessarily​ translate to success in New Zealand’s diverse⁢ wine-growing regions.This means that extensive field trials and phenotypic testing will be crucial to validate the performance of these⁣ new varieties in⁣ local conditions.

Industry Collaboration⁣ and Support

Riversun Nurseries’ efforts to introduce DRVs⁢ to⁤ New Zealand ⁤have been met with strong‍ support from the wine industry. The Vision⁣ 40:40 event in February 2023 was a pivotal moment,‍ bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of viticulture in the ⁢face of climate change and disease pressure. the event ​not ‌only showcased Riversun’s DRV plans but also highlighted​ the⁣ need for⁤ industry-wide⁢ collaboration to secure ‍the necessary resources, such as ⁤MPI quarantine space, to bring ⁤these new varieties‍ to market.

The​ positive‍ response from winemakers and⁤ industry⁤ leaders has been ⁣a driving force behind Riversun’s continued ⁤commitment ⁢to this project. The DRV tasting event in Marlborough in February⁤ 2024 ​further demonstrated the industry’s enthusiasm for these innovative grape varieties. By bringing together winemakers from major companies, the event provided⁣ an ​opportunity to taste and evaluate the⁢ potential of drvs, fostering a ​sense of shared purpose and excitement⁣ for the future.

A⁢ Sustainable Future for‍ New Zealand Wine

The introduction of disease-resistant grapevines represents a critically important step forward for ⁢New Zealand’s wine ‌industry. By ⁤reducing​ the reliance on‍ chemical sprays and increasing the ⁤resilience of vineyards to climate change,‍ DRVs offer​ a ⁢pathway‌ to more⁢ sustainable viticulture. This aligns with​ the ‍broader global trend ⁤towards environmentally kind‍ farming practices and the growing consumer demand for sustainably produced wines.

Moreover, the focus on compatibility with Sauvignon Blanc ensures that New⁤ Zealand’s‌ flagship⁣ variety remains at the heart of the industry. By finding ⁢DRVs that complement Sauvignon‌ Blanc, rather than replace it, riversun ​and it’s partners are preserving the unique identity of New Zealand wine while embracing innovation.

Conclusion

Riversun Nurseries’ ‍pioneering work with disease-resistant grapevines‌ is a testament to the power of innovation‌ and collaboration in⁤ addressing the challenges ​facing ⁢the wine industry. By ⁤embracing DRVs,New Zealand’s wine industry is not only safeguarding its future but also setting an example⁤ for sustainable viticulture⁤ on a‌ global scale.

As Geoff,Anna,Mauro,and their team continue‍ to explore and⁢ refine these new varieties,they are paving the⁣ way for a more resilient and sustainable wine industry.The journey is far​ from over, but with the support of the industry and the dedication of those involved, the future of New Zealand wine‌ looks brighter than ever.