Faced with the imperatives of climate change and the need to drastically reduce the use of chemical inputs in viticulture, the search for innovative solutions has become paramount. Among these, the path of "resistant" grape varieties, often referred to by the German acronym PiWi (Pilzwiderstandsfähig), occupies a growing place in viticultural debate. These new varieties are the result of meticulous hybridisation work, crossing traditional European vines (Vitis vinifera) with wild, American or Asian vine species naturally endowed with greater resistance to major fungal diseases, such as downy mildew and powdery mildew.

PiWi: more sustainable viticulture?

The primary objective of introducing resistant grape varieties is clear: to enable a significant reduction, or even elimination, of fungicide use, including copper- and sulphur-based treatments. This technical and scientific approach, spearheaded in particular by research programmes such as those led by INRAE, has given rise to varieties such as Artaban, Vidoc, Floréal, and Voltis. Since 2021, on an experimental basis, these grape varieties have been authorised in the specifications of the AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations, in limited proportions (up to 10% of an estate's plantings and 5% of a blend). They offer winegrowers promising tools for simplified vineyard health management and a lighter environmental footprint. It is a forward-looking approach, aiming to reconcile wine production with respect for the ecosystem.

Château Cazebonne: seeking tolerance at the heart of Vitis vinifera

At Château Cazebonne, we follow these advances with great interest. They form part of a wider reflection on the future of viticulture. However, our philosophy has naturally led us down another path, which we consider complementary and deeply rooted in the history and identity of Bordeaux wines: that of rediscovering and enhancing the genetic heritage existing within Vitis vinifera itself. We are convinced that the immense genetic wealth of the varieties historically grown in Gironde, often forgotten, holds treasures of adaptation to our terroir and unique organoleptic profiles. Varieties such as Castets, Mancin, or Saint-Macaire, whose Bordeaux history is recounted in the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, flourished here for centuries. We wager that they possess intrinsic qualities of resilience in the face of current climatic challenges and that they can offer original answers, whilst preserving this invaluable link with the history of Bordeaux wine taste.

It is this work of remembrance and perseverance that we carry out every day at Château Cazebonne, replanting these lost varieties to bring an unsuspected palette of flavours back to life. This ambitious project is only possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our passion for rediscovering Bordeaux's viticultural heritage.

To explore the culmination of this approach and taste our cuvées crafted from these revived grape varieties, we invite you to visit the Cazebonne shop.

To deepen your knowledge of this fascinating history, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne has published the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" with Éditions BBD. If you wish to receive the digital version by email, go to receive the digital version.

Definition and benefits of resistant grape varieties

A resistant grape variety, often designated by the acronym PiWi (Pilzwiderstandsfähig in German, meaning "resistant to fungal diseases"), is a grapevine variety resulting from hybridisation between European vines (Vitis vinifera) and wild vine species, particularly American and Asian. The main objective of this hybridisation is to give it natural resistance to major vineyard fungal diseases, such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, thereby significantly reducing the need for plant protection treatments. These new varieties represent a promising route towards more environmentally friendly viticulture, reconciling production requirements with sustainability.

The integration of resistant grape varieties into the Bordeaux landscape

Historically, Bordeaux's grape varietal mix has undergone numerous changes, often in response to health crises, such as powdery mildew and phylloxera in the 19th century. These events previously led to adaptation and the spread of new rootstocks, or even certain grape varieties. Today, in the face of climate change and the desire to reduce environmental footprints, resistant grape varieties represent a new avenue for adaptation. Since 2021, the INAO, the governing body for Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, has authorised the experimental inclusion of these varieties in the specifications for AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur. This authorisation notably covers six varieties of interest, including Artaban, Vidoc, Floréal, and Voltis, allowing winegrowers to plant them across a limited proportion of their estate, up to 10% of the plantings and 5% of the final blend. This approach is supported by research programmes such as the ISVV's VIT ADAPT, which assesses the adaptability of these varieties to the Bordeaux terroir.

Resistant varieties undergoing trials in Bordeaux

Viticulture in Gironde is actively exploring the integration of resistant grape varieties, conscious of the potential benefits in terms of vineyard health management and environmental impact. Winegrowers are currently testing several of these varieties. Among the most studied are Artaban (resistant to downy and powdery mildew), Vidoc, Floréal, and Voltis. These varieties, resulting from intensive research programmes, demonstrate very good resistance to major diseases and offer diverse oenological profiles. Their performance is evaluated in real time in the field, making it possible to refine knowledge of their behaviour under the specific conditions of the Bordeaux terroir and their winemaking potential. These trials are crucial to validate their long-term value and ensure the typicity of wines produced from these new vines. Beyond resistant varieties, Château Cazebonne is also exploring the path of Bordeaux's forgotten grape varieties, convinced that the genetic heritage of Vitis vinifera holds treasures of adaptation and aromatic complexity.

At Château Cazebonne, we continue this work of remembrance and perseverance, replanting lost varieties to bring an unsuspected palette of flavours back to life; this ambitious project is only possible thanks to the invaluable support of the many wine enthusiasts who have embraced our wines and share our passion for rediscovering Bordeaux's viticultural heritage. To deepen your knowledge of this fascinating history, Jean-Baptiste Duquesne has published the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", of which you can receive the digital version by clicking here, or if you wish to test your knowledge, take part in our wine quizzes. We also invite you to discover our wines online and the culmination of our approach by visiting our online shop.