Last week we joined in with the ‘picnic chez le vigneron’ at Vignoble Dubreuil in the Touraine and Touraine Oisly appellations.
Like most growers in Touraine, Sauvignon Blanc makes up the majority of plantings but they’ve also planted a new disease resistent variety called Floréal.
Floréal was developed by INRA (the Institut National de la recherche agronomic). In 2000 the institute set about developing some new disease resistant varieties and in 2018, 4 were officially adopted.
Artaban, Floréal, Vidoc and Voltis are all very resistant to mildew (both downy and powdery) and are pretty resistent to black rot which opens the path towards more successful viticulture that respects the environment and uses far fewer treatments.
Floréal is an interspecific hybrid resulting from the interspecific crossbreeding of Villaris and a descendant of Muscadinia rotundifolia. Interspecific means that both vines come from the same genus but from different species.
Laure of Vigneron Dubreuil told us they planted half a hectare in 2019 and it only required a single treatment (at flowering) last year. That is remarkable. Most organic growers treated 17, 18 or 19 times last year. A season marked by spring frosts and endless rain in June. It was nearly impossible to keep up with the treatments.
We tasted the first wine from this new grape variety. So, what’s it like?
Well, it reminded me a little of some of the hybrid grape varieties grown in the UK.
Quite floral on the nose with tropical notes. Touches of elderflower on the palate. Nice freshness. Medium length.
This is definitely one to watch. As we would say here in France ‘une affaire à suivre’.
