August 25, 2023: The hybrids have officially arrived! As per an announcement via France’s Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), a few select disease-resistant hybrid grape varieties will be allowed for use (as accessory varieties) in the wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs.
The four newly-approved disease-resistant hybrid grapes—which will be making their way into the ground in the next few months—are as follows:
Floréal: Floréal: is an interspecific white hybrid produced via Villaris and a descendant of Muscadinia rotundifolia. The grape tends to be highly aromatic with high acidity and tropical fruit/tree fruit aromas and flavors. Floréal is approved for use in the white and rosé wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs (with the exception of the white wines of the Bordeax-Haut-Benauge sub-region).
Sauvignac: Sauvignac (Blanc) is an interspecific white hybrid resulting from a descendant of Sauvignon x Riesling X an unknown hybrid (it’s complicated). The grape is known for aromas of tropical fruit and citrus, but it may lack acidity. Sauvignac is approved for use in the white and rosé wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs (with the exception of the white wines of the Bordeax-Haut-Benauge sub-region).
Sauvignier Gris: Sauvignier Gris is an interspecific, grey (gris)-skinned hybrid created via Seyval Blanc and Zähringer (although there has previously been much confusion and debate regarding its parentage). The grape is known to have thick skins, a good deal of extract, and a somewhat neutral aroma. Sauvignier Gris is approved for use in the white and rosé wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs (with the exception of the white wines of the Bordeax-Haut-Benauge sub-region).
Vidoc: Vidoc is an interspecific red hybrid produced via a descendant of Muscadinia rotundifolia and Regent. The grapes are known to produce full-bodied red wines with deep color and spicy aromas. Vidoc is approved for use in the red and rosé wines of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur AOCs.
The application of such “accessory varieties” (a group that includes all of these newly-approved hybrids) is going to remain minimal for the foreseeable future, as their combined use is currently limited to a maximum of 5% to 10% of the blend in any given wine. In addition, the INAO limits the total plantings of hybrid grape varieties to a maximum of 5% of any given estate’s holding.
Note: Rumor has it that the Médoc and Haut-Médoc AOCs have applied for permitted use of the same hybrid grapes as well as Voltis. We’ll be watching to see when and if this update is approved.
References/for more information:
- Bordeaux AOC Cahier des Charges August 2023
- Bordeaux Superieur AOC Cahier des Charges August 2023
- Floréal at Planet Grape: https://plantgrape.plantnet-project.org/en/cepage/Floreal
- Sauvignac at Planet Grape: https://plantgrape.plantnet-project.org/en/recherche/Sauvignac
- Sauvignier Gris via the Wines of Austria website: https://www.austrianwine.com/our-wine/grape-varieties/white-wine/souvignier-gris/
- Vidoc at Planet Grape: https://plantgrape.plantnet-project.org/en/cepage/Vidoc
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org