The wine industry has evolved on a large scale thanks to the shortening of borders between countries and new knowledge about different harvesting methods .
An innovative wine production practice is the generation of so-called grape clones , a vine plant that is derived from a specific genetic source, known as the "mother plant", present in various types ofwines .
In this article we will explain in detail what grape clones are , as well as the key characteristics to better understand this process. Likewise, we will present to you which are the most important grape clones , so that you know the origin of some varieties.
What are grape clones and what are they used for?
Within viticulture and the wine industry in general, grape clones function as genetic variants of a specific grape type . These variants are selected and propagated by nurserymen to maintain the unique characteristics of that particular type, with some genetic differences influencing aspects such as yield, disease resistance and wine quality .
This process is carried out by propagating grape clones , through vegetative methods , such as taking cuttings or grafting , instead of seeds.
This method of wine production can be found in the most important brands of red wine and in different types of white wine , and other variants on the international market.
Most important characteristics of grape clones
1.- Identical genetics
Grape clones are genetically identical to the mother plant from which they were obtained. This is in contrast to sexual reproduction through seeds, which can generate genetic variability due to the combination of genetic material from two parent plants.
Therefore, it is important to note that the vines are not planted, as the seeds can generate mutations. The vines are planted from shoots that were pruned from the mother plants in winter and worked in a nursery until they achieve a root system capable of surviving in the vineyard.
2.- Vegetative propagation
Clone propagation is done by vegetative methods , such as grafting , shoots or layering. In the case of shoots, as mentioned above, they are pruned from the mother plant and taken to the field when they have developed roots.
Another method of propagation is layering . A shoot is allowed to grow long enough to be buried next to the mother plant and allow the end to emerge from the ground. In this way, a plant identical to the original is generated.
These methods preserve the specific genetic characteristics of the mother plant and enhance the characteristics we seek in a type of grape, achieving, for example, the production of the best red wines if desired.
3.- Greater preservation of characteristics
Clone propagation is a way to preserve the unique characteristics of a specific grape type . This is especially important in viticulture , where consistency is sought in terms of flavor, aroma, yield, and disease resistance.
Nowadays it is possible to generate a specific variety of grape that originally occurs elsewhere thanks to grape clones with their best qualities , which is why we can find a wide range of Mexican wines with the presence of these characteristics of different latitudes or wine industries.
4.- Clone differentiation
Although clones are genetically identical , subtle differences may arise due to factors such as the growing environment, management practices and the influence of the terroir from which new wine qualities may emerge . These differences may lead to variations in terms of ripeness, yield and organoleptic characteristics that can be identified in wine tasting .
A practical example of the above is the following: in El Cielo , live Sauvignon Blanc plants were acquired from a nursery in the United States. These are clones brought from Bordeaux, France from the famous Chateau d'Yquem, one of the most famous wineries in the world that produces extraordinary wines with this varietal.
The grape acquires specific characteristics from the Baja California terroir , but, starting from a high-quality clone , the ripening, yield and quality are exceptional and produce great wines that have won medals in national and international competitions. Try, for example, G&G by Ginasommelier Sauvignon Blanc .
Careful selection of clones is essential in quality viticulture . It allows producers to adapt to the specific conditions of their vineyard and to seek out particular characteristics in their wines to boost their business and gain popularity in the market.
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