Institut für Rebenzüchtung
Particularly in Germany various influences and incidents lead to a reduction of genetic diversity of grapevine varieties. It is aimed to rediscover and to preserve old robust grapevine varieties for present and future use. In 2000, a 100-year old vineyard was discovered in the vinegrowing area Badische Bergstraße. In 1001 and 2002, three further 80- to 200 year old vineyards were found. In total, the four vineyards comprise about 1500 vines. At least 52 different grapevine varieties were identified. The inventory has been completed, while the identification of the unknown varieties is still underway. SSR-marker results confirmed the presumed grapevine variety identities. A real surprise was the rediscovery of "Weißer Heunisch". Measures for the preservation of the old grapevine varieties have been undertaken.
Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture
