Wine Grape Varieties
Wine Grape Clones
Grape vines can propagate in two ways. The first is through sexual reproduction, in which two parent plants combine genetic material to form a seed, which is then germinated and grows into a vine. The second method is asexual propagation (e.g., cuttings, grafting), in which a cutting is taken from a single parent plant and grafted onto existing rootstock. These new vines, being genetically identical to the “mother” vine they were cut from, are referred to as clones that will exhibit similar desired characteristics to those of the mother vines. Clone is especially important in viticulture, where consistency is sought in flavor, aroma, yield, and disease resistance. Although clones are genetically identical, subtle differences may arise due to factors such as the growing environment, management practices, and the influence of the térroir, from which new wine qualities may emerge. These differences may lead to variations in ripeness, yield, and organoleptic characteristics that can be identified during wine tasting.
Certification Programs
Grape clonal certification programs are state-run or industry-supported systems that ensure grapevine planting material is true-to-type and free of harmful viruses and pests, providing growers with clean, reliable vines. These programs use rigorous testing (including microshoot tip tissue culture) and inspections, administered by entities such as state departments of agriculture or networks such as the L’Etablissement National Technique pour l’Amélioration de la Viticulture (ENTAV)in France or Foundation Plant Services (FPS) in the US. FPS in California can be said to be the keeper of the clones for the wine industry in the United States. They have the largest collection and are the main port of entry for foreign vine materials into the United States. Foundation Plant Services assigns its own unique number to different selections of the same clone that have undergone various virus elimination treatments. Clones available often have multiple numbers to help identify if it is a “clean” clone and help track its origin.
Popular Wine Grape Clones
There are different clones available for just about every grape variety. Three of the most planted varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Wente clone (FPS 04) is famous in California, whereas other selections exhibit different berry sizes, yields, and ripening patterns. Pinot Noir, known for immense clonal diversity, popular examples include the French Dijon clones (like 115, 667, 777) for balance and structure, and older selections like Pommard for classic earthy notes. Clones like Cabernet Sauvignon 685 (from France’s ENTAV-INRA program) are popular for their consistent quality and fruit expression. Other widely planted varieties with important clones include Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah/Shiraz.
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