The Criolla family tree is growing… As researchers in Argentina and Chile begin to share their results of the past few years of investigation, they have revealed that there are over 100 different Criolla varieties that have been identified in Chile and Argentina, a number that is more than likely to grow.
The Criolla grape varieties refer to the complex web of native grape varieties that have been born in South America, usually coming from offspring of the two major founding grape varieties on the continent — Moscatel de Alejandría and Listán Prieto.
Read more about Criolla wines in our online guide
Revealing the discovery of over 100 Criolla grape varieties
In the largest gathering for a Criolla summit to date, INTA in Mendoza presented the results of recent years of investigations into the diversity of Criolla varieties. Jorge Prieto revealed that they have identified 60 different Criolla varieties in Argentina, including 36 previously unknown varieties.
Representing INIA in Chile, Nilo Mejia revealed that investigations in Chile have now identified 86 Criolla varieties, including 43 previously unknown varieties.
What do these new Criolla varieties mean for winemakers?
At the moment research is still in its early stages, but the new discovery shows that there is an enormous diversity of Criolla grape varieties planted and in production in Argentina, Chile and undoubtedly in Peru and Bolivia too. Continuing to identify these different varieties is a key part of the work ahead, but also identifying which are most suitable for high quality winemaking and identifying which offer a sustainable future for vine growing.
The Criolla grape varieties are widely known for their great adaptation the wine regions of South America and their resistance to drought and frost, making them viable options in the face of climate change.
Research is now being undertaken in order to test the winemaking qualities of some of these lesser-known varieties. INTA in Mendoza is starting a pilot program of planting ten varieties in different regions of Mendoza and San Juan over the next few years to continue experimenting into their potential. The varieties are: Criolla No1, Balsamina, Canela, Ferra, Criolla Chica, Moscatel Rosado, Moscatel Blanco, Moscatel Amarillo, Uva Anis, Uva Pascua and Blanca Oval.
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The Criolla Family Tree
