The journey of officially recognizing and naming new wine grape varieties is a meticulous process that balances scientific innovation with regulatory frameworks. In the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) oversees this procedure. To gain official recognition, a grape variety must be submitted to the TTB for approval. The TTB evaluates factors such as the grape's distinctiveness, its naming conventions, and ensures that the proposed name isn't misleading or already in use. Once approved, the grape variety is added to the list of approved grape names in the Code of Federal Regulations (27 CFR 4.91), allowing wineries to label wines with the new varietal name.
Globally, the process varies but generally involves national or regional wine regulatory bodies assessing new grape varieties for their uniqueness, suitability to the terroir, and potential contribution to the wine industry. These bodies often collaborate with viticultural research institutions to ensure that new varieties meet established standards.
Here at Todhunter Vineyards, we are always looking for ways to achieve as much independence as possible from pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals and practices that can have a negative impact to the environment. Excitingly, in recent years, the wine industry has seen the introduction of several new grape varieties, many of which are bred to address challenges posed by climate change and disease pressures. For instance, 'PiWi' grape varieties, a term derived from the German "pilzwiderstandsfähig" meaning "fungus-resistant," have gained our attention! These hybrids are created by crossing European Vitis vinifera with wild Asian and American vines to produce grapes that require fewer chemical interventions, aligning with sustainable, regenerative, and organic vineyard management practices.
Examples of the varieties we plan to plant this spring include:
Souvignier Gris: A German-bred hybrid known for its resistance to fungal diseases and its potential to produce high-quality white wines.
Floreal: A French-developed grape that offers strong resistance to fungal pests, making it suitable for organic viticulture.
Voltis: Recently approved for use in Champagne, Voltis is a hybrid grape that demonstrates resilience against diseases exacerbated by climate change, marking a significant shift in traditional grape selection in the region.
These developments reflect Todhunter Vineyards' proactive approach to evolving environmental conditions and consumer preferences while ensuring the continued production of diverse and high-quality wines without harming our planet. Stay tuned for updates about our new building going up on the vineyard... we're going for 100% renewable energy system and LEED certification!
Happy Spring!
THV
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