6 new grape varieties for AOC Touraine wines

ouraine is the first Loire appellation to introduce varieties chosen for their ability to cope with climate change (VIFA) into its production specifications. To help its 400 winegrowers tackle climate disruption and produce wines that meet new consumer demand, the appellation is allowing them to add up to 10% of Floréal, Meslier Saint-François, Orbois, Chenin, Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis to blends starting this year.

Floréal contains two genes with resistance to downy and powdery mildew and reduces the amount of plant protection products required. “Its aromatic typicity is similar to Sauvignon, which makes it particularly interesting for Touraine white wines”, stresses Corinne Colain, head of communications with the Touraine producers’ organisation. The five other grape varieties are also interesting, for several reasons. “They have high acidity potential, low alcohol content, are relatively hardy, less prone to certain diseases and are historic Touraine appellation grape varieties”, she adds. In 2021, a questionnaire sent out by the organisation to producers in AOC Touraine showed that the majority of them displayed an interest in these historic varietals and in diversifying the varietal range. The same is true of many consumers.

Ten winegrowers have decided to take part in the scheme this year. The French Vine & Wine Institute (IFV), will monitor the plantings from an agronomic perspective, with coordination by the Touraine wine producers’ organisation and supervision from INAO. If at the end of the ten-year observation period they meet the initial objectives, the six grape varieties will be permanently added to the appellation’s production specifications.