IAC and Louveira City Hall seek to adapt fine grape cultivars to the region

The Agronomic Institute (IAC) and the city of Louveira began planting an experimental vineyard at the IAC Fruit Center, in Jundiaí. This partnership will evaluate five new varieties of Italian fine grapes (Vitis vinifera), which will be grafted onto three rootstocks; and another 25 wine grape hybrids resistant to fungal diseases, known as PIWI varieties. The study is unprecedented in the main grape producing region of the state of São Paulo.

IAC researcher José Luiz Hernandes explains that the project seeks to evaluate some fine grapes and other Italian hybrids for the region. “The agronomic and enological evaluation of wine grape cultivars is essential to support decisions regarding the implementation and management of vineyards”, he states.

The mayor of the municipality of Louveira, Stanislau Steck, who was recently elected as President of the Intermunicipal Consortium for the Development of the Circuito das Frutas Tourist Hub for the 2023/2024 biennium, was present and carried out the symbolic planting of the first grape seedlings of this partnership.

Hernandes explains that the Louveira region had strong Italian colonization. Research may in the future develop new cultivars adapted for the region, as fine Italian grapes are known for producing excellent quality wines.

Another highlight are the PIWI hybrids which, because they are resistant to fungi, allow for a reduction in the use of agricultural pesticides, saving labor, fuel, water and equipment. And they minimize the environmental impact of viticulture and the health risks for farmers and consumers.

The project also has the participation of Viveiro da Cooperativi Rauscedo (VCR) and Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM), both from northern Italy, responsible for producing and sending the seedlings to Brazil.

The state of São Paulo is the third largest grape producer in Brazil, with production of almost 147 thousand tons in the 2021 harvest. The state of Rio Grande do Sul is the leader, followed by the state of Pernambuco.

The most important viticulture in the state of São Paulo is rustic grapes for fresh consumption, with a predominance of the Niagara Rosada cultivar, which accounts for close to 90% of the rustic grapes on the São Paulo market. It should be noted, however, that São Paulo's viticulture is expanding to other regions, which are currently producing other cultivars.