Epamig evaluates adaptation of piwis grapes in the south of Minas

The Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (Epamig) is testing the adaptation of piwi grapes of Italian origin in the south of the state. The project, which has financial support from Fapemig, is developed in partnership with Vinícola Stella Valentino, in Andradas, which received the experimental vineyard in October 2021, and the Italian nursery Vivai Cooperativi Rauscedo, which provided the seedlings of red grape hybrids and white, which are being evaluated.

Piwi is an abbreviated German term Pilzwiderstandsfähige for disease resistance. In Brazil, as well as in Europe, these varieties are registered with the Ministry of Agriculture as Vitis vinifera. “This is a new generation of European hybrids, obtained by backcrossing and selection assisted by molecular markers, which present more than 85% of genes from the Vitis Vinifera species, to which the grape varieties used to make fine wines belong,” explains Epamig researcher Claudia Souza, who coordinates the work, together with the research team at Campo Experimental de Caldas.

“Piwis grapes have achieved prominence in the wine sector, not only due to their resistance to pathogens, but also due to the notoriety of their wines, which often have a similar profile to the wines of their progenitors, such as the traditional Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir”, adds the researcher.

First reviews

At the end of 2023, the vines of eight of the tested hybrids had their first harvests, which resulted in four white wines (Sauvignon Kretos, Sauvignon Rytos, Fleurtai and Soreli) and four red wines (Cabernet Eidos, Cabernet Volos, Merlot Khantus and Merlot Khorus ), which underwent a sensory evaluation this April. The panel made up of 21 tasters from different profiles (researchers, technicians, winegrowers and consumers) gave an overall score of over 70% to the wines evaluated.

“In this first harvest, the cultivars were very productive, with yields varying from 1kg to 3kg per plant. These experimental wines were made with minimal interference during the winemaking process. And the results reveal the good productive and oenological potential of these varieties in the south of Minas Gerais”, evaluates Cláudia Souza, who warns: “This study is still ongoing and, to obtain more conclusive results, it will be necessary to evaluate another summer harvest” .

Summer Harvest

The Piwis grape varieties have been tested for the summer harvest, with harvest between the months of November and January. Differently from the methodology of double pruning the vine, which consolidated the production of fine wines in the Southeast region and in other parts of Brazil, which consists of carrying out two prunings, reversing the cycle so that the grapes are harvested in winter. , in the dry period.

“It is very positive news for us. The precocity of these grapes meant that the harvest took place in November, therefore, before the rainy season, which intensifies here in the second half of December. We have Syrah grapes and others that we have already successfully cultivated in the winter harvest. And in parallel, the opportunity to include these new varieties and produce fine wines also in the summer”, analyzes winemaker Procópio Stella.

The producer, who has been developing experiments in partnership with Epamig since 2003, is quite optimistic about the new options. “In addition to being precocious, these varieties have real tolerance to diseases, which means fewer pesticides and more sustainability.” And it praises research. “It is essential support, monitoring, recommendations, laboratory tests. Research comes first. It is my reference for making decisions.”

Researcher Cláudia Souza informs that the work will also evaluate the agronomic and oenological potential of these varieties during winter cultivation. “The use of Piwis grapes could help reduce spending on fungicides, increase the sustainability of vineyards and diversify wine production in Minas Gerais”, she concludes.