The Consortium presents new research on the genetics of the Glera variety
On the occasion of Vinitaly, in the Prosecco DOC Theatre (Stand B4, Hall 4), the Consortium for the Protection of Prosecco DOC welcomed its partners from the University of Padua and CREA (Council for Research in Agriculture and Analysis of Agricultural Economics) to announce the activities being developed on the broad topic of genetics. In fact, in accordance with current regulations, two initiatives are pushing the frontiers of this subject, with the aim of ensuring an increasingly sustainable and climate change resilient viticulture.
The first, with the Gleres project (investment of €160,000), aims to obtain, through crossbreeding, a new variety that can preserve the characteristics of the parental varieties, i.e. the sensory profile of the Glera and the resistance elements of the other variety. Productions of the first ‘daughter’ variety of Glera, registered under the name Glaurum, were tasted today at the stand.
The second initiative, with the Glera 2.0 project (investment of € 270,000 by 2025), aims to investigate the application of Assisted Evolution Techniques (TEA) directly on the Glera variety, with the objective of improving its resistance without altering its genetic identity and, therefore, its characterising qualitative peculiarities.
Giancarlo Guidolin, President of the Consorzio di tutela della DOC Prosecco, states:
‘This research represents an important opportunity for our sector. The adoption of advanced genetic improvement techniques could allow us to face the future challenges of viticulture without compromising the tradition and quality that characterise our product. Our commitment is to guarantee sustainable wine production, both environmentally and socially, ensuring the degree of excellence recognised by consumers worldwide.’
Alessandro Vannozzi, Professor at the University of Padua, and Riccardo Velasco, Director of CREA, comment:
‘This collaboration between the Consortium, the CIRVE of the University of Padua and CREA is fundamental for the progress of viticulture in the Prosecco DOC territory. The Consortium’s focus on genetic improvement, both conventional and through assisted evolution technologies (TEA), shows a clear desire to respond to the challenges of the sector by focusing on research and innovation. The main objective of the Glera 2.0 project is to lay the foundations for the application of TEA to the Glera variety, which is strongly identified with the territory. Exploiting the potential offered by these new technologies represents a crucial step for the improvement of this variety, not only in terms of resistance, but also for the maintenance of its quality characteristics threatened by climate change.’
