IAC launches fine grape cultivar for white wine

The white wine market now has a new hybrid white grape cultivar to produce the drink. The Agronomic Institute (IAC) will launch this Tuesday, 22nd, IAC Ribas, characterized by bunches with good conformation and medium size, round berries, as well as a good neutral flavor and slightly amber color. The structure and chemical characteristics of IAC Ribas make it suitable for the production of still and sparkling wines. The IAC, from the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo, will also launch the IAC Ribas Technical Bulletin - Grape Cultivation for White Wines, which provides management recommendations for its cultivation, among other information. The launches will take place during the 4th Enoconnection Meeting, to be held from November 22nd to 25th, 2021, with IAC also participating in coordinating the event, which will be hybrid, with an in-person part and a remote part. Registration can be done via event website.

IAC Ribas also has a high soluble solids content, excellent yolk fertility and ease of bunch management. Producers from Jundiaí, Jarinu, Bragança Paulista and Indaiatuba are already selling wines produced with this cultivar. "This cultivar of fine grapes was developed for the production conditions of the state of São Paulo", says Mara Fernandes Moura, researcher at IAC. IAC Ribas is the result of a cross between the Syrah and Seibel cultivars. The experiments were carried out in the municipalities of Jundiaí and Votuporanga.

According to Mara, IAC Ribas is moderately tolerant to downy mildew, powdery mildew and bunch rot, which are some of the main diseases that affect vine cultivation in practically all national producing regions. However, preventive treatment is recommended.

In the normal production cycle, IAC researchers recommend paying attention to the beginning of the cycle, in the months of September and October, which still have low night temperatures which, if associated with constant rain, can stimulate the appearance of anthracnose. In the winter harvest cycle, the guidance is to prevent mildew at the beginning of the cycle from January to March, and pay attention to powdery mildew, after the rains decrease and daytime temperatures remain high. "Attention at this stage must be doubled when it comes to cultivation protected with impermeable plastic cover, as the condition favors the appearance of powdery mildew and mites", says the IAC researcher, from the São Paulo Agribusiness Technology Agency (APTA).

IAC Ribas Technical Bulletin - Grape Cultivar for White Wines

The IAC Ribas Technical Bulletin - Grape Cultivation for White Wines will be available on the IAC website. The publication presents the new white wine grape cultivar, describes the cultivar selection strategy and reports its genetic, morphological, phytotechnical and physicochemical characteristics. The Bulletin also provides management recommendations for winegrowers.

This month of November, when the Department of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo celebrates its 130th anniversary, the IAC marks the date with these two launches in the viticulture sector.

Cultivations from São Paulo

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 viticulture is expanding to other regions, which are currently producing other cultivars.

According to IAC researchers, there are two species of grape with a commercial profile: Vitis vinifera, known as European grapes or "fine grapes" for fresh consumption and the production of fine wines; and Vitis labrusca, which are American grapes or "rustic grapes" for fresh consumption, dehydrated fruits and the production of table wines and grape juices.

American cultivars, as well as hybrids, stand out in Brazilian vineyards for their vegetative characteristics, which better adapt to Brazil's diverse climatic conditions. 4th Enoconnection Meeting The 4th Enoconnection Meeting takes place from November 22nd to 25th, 2021, in the afternoon and evening. With in-person and remote activities, the program will be broadcast on the Enoconnection YouTube channel.

American cultivars, as well as hybrids, stand out in Brazilian vineyards for their vegetative characteristics, which better adapt to Brazil's diverse climatic conditions.

4th Enoconnection Meeting

The 4th Enoconnection Meeting takes place from November 22nd to 25th, 2021, in the afternoon and evening. With in-person and remote activities, the program will be broadcast on the Enoconnection YouTube channel.

The IAC Fruit Center, located in Jundiaí, will carry out guided tours and host in-person activities. IAC researcher, José Luiz Hernandes, will present the lectures Vitivinicultura Paulista - history, current situation and perspectives and IAC hybrid varieties with a focus on winemaking.

The Meeting will bring technical, scientific information and data in the area of ​​oenology to producers and wine lovers. See the full schedule and register via event website.