Collection: PIWI – Fungus resistant grape varieties

Since the 19th century, efforts have been made to combat introduced fungal diseases—against which traditional grape varieties (Vitis vinifera) are defenseless organisms—through interspecific crossings. After only moderate early success in terms of flavor, the conversation around PIWIs (fungus-resistant grape varieties) has recently regained momentum.

Several key factors are driving this renewed interest. The issue of plant protection is impossible to ignore in an era of increasingly ecologically conscious viticulture. Even though not every new variety offers complete and lasting resistance to fungal diseases, these grapes allow for a significant reduction in spraying. This leads to lower copper accumulation in the soil and, generally, fewer CO₂ emissions. Planting PIWIs also helps preserve cultural landscapes like steep terraced vineyards, where plant protection is particularly labor-intensive.

More importantly, the persistent work of breeders and winemakers has resulted in a number of PIWI varieties whose sensory characteristics allow for high-quality wines. A small but steadily growing group of winemakers is now committed to showcasing them.

What’s crucial is that these winemakers engage with their PIWIs just as intensively as they do with their traditional grape varieties. That means identifying and working with each new variety’s countless specific needs and traits—both in the vineyard and in the cellar—that are key to producing truly outstanding wines. This includes their preferred soils, exposures, and climates, their tolerance to heat and resistance to frost, their ideal fermentation temperatures, maceration times, and maturation vessels—just to name a few important aspects.

Although individual PIWI varieties are still relatively unknown, this is certain to change in the coming years. Grapes such as Bronner, Solaris, Rösler, Regent, and especially Souvignier Gris are already proving that they have nothing to hide behind traditional varieties. On the contrary: at their best, they yield brilliant, distinctive, and terroir-driven wines that are well worth discovering.