VIGNOLES 02 (CNY) ON 101-14 (10)

A promising breakthrough in grapevine research is bringing new possibilities to Vignoles growers! After years of research by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Cornell University, Vignoles Clone 02 is demonstrating impressive potential to address one of traditional Vignoles' biggest challenges: bunch rot. While traditional Vignoles is celebrated for its aromatic wines, its tightly packed clusters make it especially vulnerable to Botrytis and sour rot. Vignoles 2 features looser clusters that have demonstrated approximately 80% less bunch rot in research trials, offering exciting potential for healthier fruit and improved harvest quality. The research results are compelling: Up to 94% reduction in fruit rot severity was observed among evaluated loose-clustered selections. 37–42% fruit rot severity was recorded in standard Vignoles during the Portland, NY trials. 6.2 kg per vine was recorded for the selection, compared to 8.6 kg for traditional Vignoles. 54.7 g average cluster weight for the selection, compared to 86 g for traditional Vignoles. Although the new selection produced smaller clusters and lower yields in the evaluated season, its substantial reduction in disease severity could help offset losses associated with fruit rot. Even more exciting? Wine tasting evaluations revealed only subtle differences in wine characteristics between traditional Vignoles and the loose-clustered selection, suggesting growers may gain meaningful disease-management advantages while maintaining the qualities that make Vignoles so desirable. For growers and winemakers, Vignoles 2 represents an exciting step forward in combining disease management, fruit quality, and the distinctive winemaking potential of this beloved variety!