RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

Piwi Varietal

The white grape variety (breeding no. FR 242-73) is an interspecific new variety between Merzling x FR 986-60 (Seyve-Villard 12-481 x Müller-Thurgau). It is a complex cross, as the parent varieties are also the result of many crosses. In total, around 15 varieties were involved, in addition to the above-mentioned Afus Ali, Aramon Noir, Bayard, Bicane, Bourboulenc, Clairette Dorée Ganzin, Munson, Pascal Blanc, Prior, Riesling and Vivarais. It contains genes from Vitis berlandieri, Vitis labrusca, Vitis lincecumii, Vitis rupestris and Vitis vinifera.

The hybrid was crossed in 1973 by Norbert Becker (1937-2012) at the State Viticultural Institute in Freiburg. The early to medium-ripening vine is resistant to both types of mildew and botrytis(PIWI variety). It produces white wines similar to Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Blanc - (https://glossary.wein.plus/helios)