Viticultural biodiversity is of crucial importance not only for the preservation of traditional varieties, but also for the sustainability and adaptation to climate change of viticultural practices. In particular, regions historically dedicated to viticulture, such as the north-west coast of Tuscany, offer a large heritage of native varieties, many of which are in danger of disappearing due to factors such as urbanisation, industrialisation and the abandonment of cultivation.
The article entitled “Protection of viticultural biodiversity: genetic and phenotypic characterisation of grapevine varieties from the northwest coastal area of Tuscany (Italy)*” represents a significant contribution to the study of grapevine biodiversity in this area. The study aimed to genetically and phenotypically characterise several grapevine varieties collected from neglected areas, with the objective of protecting and enhancing native germplasm. Through a detailed analysis based on microsatellite markers, the researchers identified a set of unique varieties, thus offering opportunities for the recovery and valorisation of historical cultivars. The results of this research not only provide new information on Tuscan wine biodiversity, but also lay a solid foundation for future strategies of conservation and sustainable development of the local wine sector.
The article analyses vine biodiversity in some minor wine-growing districts of the north-western coast of Tuscany, focusing on the areas of Candia dei Colli Apuani, Garfagnana, Lunigiana and Levante Ligure. 99 samples were collected from field margins and non-cultivated areas and subjected to molecular analysis using 12 microsatellite markers (SSR).
The results revealed 58 unique genotypes, of which 42 were already known varieties (36 belonging to Vitis vinifera and 6 interspecific crosses) and 16 previously unidentified genetic profiles. Approximately 52% of the samples (52 out of 99) were vegetatively propagated and stored in a wine collection, with the aim of protecting these varieties from extinction and characterising their phenotypic properties. The research highlights the potential reuse of vine varieties that were probably widespread in the past, helping to revitalise eco-enotourism and enhance the local wine scene. The decline in the area planted with vines in Italy, from over a million hectares in the 1970s to around 700,000 hectares in 2022, has caused significant genetic erosion, aggravated by the abandonment of cultivation and the replacement of native cultivars with international varieties.
The results obtained provide new information on the composition of native germplasm in the regions studied. The characterisation of genotypes has made it possible to create a valuable wine collection, protecting emblematic cultivars that were thought to be extinct or in serious danger of extinction.
This study highlights the importance of wine biodiversity for the preservation of local cultivars and for the sustainability of agricultural practices. The ability to identify and characterise indigenous varieties may prove crucial in addressing future challenges in the wine sector, particularly in a context of climate change. Furthermore, a focus on the recovery of historical varieties could foster greater cultural awareness and renewed consumer interest in unique and traditional products.
Investing in the preservation of these resources will not only contribute to preserving the genetic heritage, but may also stimulate new economic opportunities related to wine tourism and the valorisation of local products. Efforts to preserve and enhance the indigenous wine heritage can lead to a more sustainable future for viticulture not only in Tuscany, but also in other Italian regions.
*Alessandra Zombardo, Sergio Puccioni, Manna Crespan, Paolo Storchi, Rita Perria, Vincenzo Tosi, Pierpaolo Lorieri, Daniele Migliaro “Protection of viticultural biodiversity: genetic and phenotypic characterisation of grapevine varieties from the northwest coastal area of Tuscany (Italy)”. Published in Vol. 58 No. 3 (2024): OENO One. Available here.