New clones promote genetic diversity
New Zealand scientists have developed 6,000 new Sauvignon Blanc clones to encourage genetic diversity.
A grape variety is genetically the same as all others of the same variety, except it is not; variations and mutations occur. New Zealand scientists have been collecting these natural variations to determine which have the new characteristics.
Most vineyards are monocultures, that is, every plant is genetically the same. However small mutations can occur and genetic switches inside the vine can switch on or off based on environmental factors, to create minor differences. Sometimes these differences can result in larger grapes, better water management or perhaps tolerance to higher temperatures. These differences within a single grape variety are known as clonal variation. It is one of the key reasons why Alsace Pinot Gris can taste so different to Italian Pinot Grigio. They are both Pinot Gris, but the small berried Pinot Gris can produce different wines to the large Pinot Grigio clonal variation.
By using the latest cutting edge DNA sequencers from the UK, NZ scientists have scanned thousands of Sauvignon Blanc grapes that have tiny differences, looking for differences that they think may be advantages. Useful traits such as improved yield, resistance to disease, frost tolerance and water use efficiency will be selected whilst maintaining the iconic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc flavour profile, according to the researchers.
The new clonal variants will be planted into a vineyard this spring 2023, from which grapes with the desired characteristics will be identified. Not only will it help create more variation for Sauvignon Blanc, the information on how the grapes grow will help improve understanding the effects of different DNA on the vine and ultimately the wine.
