The PGI Côtes Catalanes requirement specification has been updated with the addition of 5 grapes varieties which are cryptomatic-diseases tolerant; their name: Muscaris (white), grey Souvignier, Soreli (white), black Cabernet Cortis and white Cabernet.

The request made by the Union of Winemakers to the INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité) was based on both work and experimentations performed by the viticultural station of Tresserre, which is the research center of the CIVR (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon). The introduction of these varieties is part of the adaptation of our productions to the current environmental issues, with the aim to decrease the number of treatments and of the quantities of products used.

These varieties have also been introduced in the PGI Pays d’Oc requirement specification as « innovating secondary varieties » (15% maximum of the blend).

What we know about these varieties

The viticultural station of Tresserre has been working on both agronomic and oenological evaluation of these cryptogamic disease-tolerant grapes varieties (to the Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew) since 2009 with the planting of the Bouquet varieties.

Regarding the 5 grapes varieties introduced in the PGI requirement specification’s update, 3 of them have been planted in the area of the Eastern-Pyrenees into winemakers vineyards since 2014. They are the Muscaris, grey Souvignier, and Cabernet Cortis. These plots have been studied since then in order to analyze their reaction to diseases and drought and they have been vinified starting their first harvest. Regarding the Soreli and white Cabernet, we have very few or no local technical data on these varieties. The white Cabernet is not planted in the area of the Eastern-Pyrenees and the Soreli is only planted in the viticultural station of Tresserre, within a collection of 23 grapes varieties tolerant planted in 2018.

On the basis of the first elements of the experimentations, here is a summary of what we currently know about the plots which have had from zero to two treatments :

The Muscaris

Origins: Germany

Parents: Solaris x Muscat Petits Grains

Year of creation: 1987

Phenology: ripeness monitored in the area of the Eastern-Pyrenees around August 15^th .

Monitored yield: According to the aridity of the soil, 6t to 12t/ha in 2019

Reaction to diseases: few symptoms of Downy Mildew, some symptoms of Powdery Mildew are regularly noted.

Organoleptic qualities: the Muscaris is characterized by floral notes (linden, verbena), menthol, fresh fruits, exotic fruits, and grapefruit notes.

The grey Souvignier

Origins: Germany

Parents: Cabernet Sauvignon x Bronner

Year of creation: 1983

Phenology: ripeness monitored in the area of the Eastern-Pyrenees between August 20^th  to September 5^th

Monitored yield: According to the aridity of the soil, 6t to 13t/ha in 2019 Reaction to diseases: generally few symptoms of Downy Mildew but Powdery Mildew starts to appear on plots which have not been treated for several years.

Organoleptic qualities: the grey Souvignier is vegetal. Floral and freshness notes with the linden and verbena.

The Cabernet Cortis

Origins: Germany

Parents: Cabernet Sauvignon x Solaris

Year of creation: 1982

Phenology: ripeness monitored in the area of the Eastern-Pyrenees around September 10^th

Monitored yield: 10t/ha in 2019

Reaction to diseases: some symptoms of Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew are regularly noted.

Organoleptic qualities: the Cabernet Cortis is spicy and peppery but also green bell pepper, cherry, leather, smoked notes. A complex profile

The Soreli

Origins: Italy

Parents: Sauvignonnasse x Kozma 20-3.

Year of creation: 2002

Phenology: ripeness monitored in the area of Hérault around August 20^th

Monitored yield: 9t/ha in 2019

Reaction to diseases: no local data but high sensitivity to Black rot noticed in the area of Gard.

Organoleptic qualities: the Soreli, despite the vegetal notes, has fresh fruits and exotic fruits signature. As with the Muscaris there is a menthol note.

The White Cabernet

Source: « Guide technique les cépages résistants aux maladies cryptogamiques – Groupe ICV »

Origins: Germany

Parents: Cabernet Sauvignon x unknown

Year of creation: 1991

Phenology: no local data but ripeness monitored in Germany, Austria & Switzerland, between October 1^st-15^th

Monitored yield: no local data but 7,5t/ha

Reaction to diseases: no local data but equivalent sensibilities to the Downy Mildew and the Powdery Mildew

Organoleptic qualities: the white Cabernet shows vegetal notes, citrus, and exotic fruits notes, with good acidity, structure, “bitterness” and volume in  the  taste

For Sure, among these varieties, The Muscaris and the grey Souvignier are the most promising grape varieties!

Globally, we are facing varieties that have good capacity against Downy Mildew (that will have to be confirmed with the results of the 2020 campaign) and some various situations against Powdery Mildew. It is noticeable that these grapes varieties have not been selected for their abilities to resist Black rot. Moreover, we should notice that this database regarding the capabilities of these varieties against diseases comes from the plot which has had from zero to two treatments. We will more likely say that these grapes varieties are tolerant instead of being resistant to diseases.

Direct information from Julien Thiery,

Head of the Viticultural Department,

Chambre d’Agriculture des Pyrénées Orientales / Viticultural station of Tresserre