Focus OIV 2017

Distribution of theworld’s grapevine
varieties

2

Focus OIV 2017

Focus OIV 2017
Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

Content
This focus report on global vine diversity has been produced by the International
Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). It provides an overview of the distribution of theworld's grapevine varieties and examines current trends in this respect.
This document focuses on all varieties, regardless of how the grapes are used(wine, table, drying or otherwise).

ISBN: 979-10-91799-89-8
OIV - International organization of vine and wine
18 rue d’Aguesseau
F-75008 Paris – France
www.oiv.int

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

3

Summary
This focus report on the distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties has been produced by theInternational Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). It provides an overview of the distribution of theworld's grapevine varieties and examines current changes in trends. This document focuses on allvarieties, regardless of how the grapes are used (wine, table, drying or otherwise), encompassing 75%of the world's area under vines. It examines the data available on 44 countries since 2000, and focuseson those with a vineyard area above 65 000 ha and their 10 main varieties1. Note that the study is more
representative of wine grapes than of other varieties given the nature of the data held by the OIV.
While some can be dual purpose, table grape and dried grape varieties tend to differ from wine grape
varieties. It is for this reason that the distribution of vine varieties in countries that primarily produce
table grapes and dried grapes is very different from that of predominantly wine-producing countries.
Of the world's 10 000 known grapevine varieties, 13 cover more than one-third of the world's vineyard
area and 33 varieties cover 50%.
Some grapevine varieties are planted in numerous countries and thus are called “international varieties”.
The most obvious example is Cabernet Sauvignon, which is now one of the most cultivated varieties in
the world (5% of the total world area under vines). Conversely, other varieties may be widely cultivatedbut only in a small number of countries, such as Kyoho, which is mainly grown in China.

© OIV
Figure 1. Vine-growing areas and destinations of grape production

Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan are not included in this study due to the absence of data on the distribution ofgrapevine varieties. Country tables providing detailed data not covered in this report are available on the OIV website(www.oiv.int).
1

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Focus OIV 2017

Table of contents
Content

3

Summary4

Abbreviations and symbols

6

Introduction

6

Methodology

7⬛⬛ Distribution of the world's grapevines

8⬛⬛ Diversity of varieties

8⬛⬛ Distribution of varieties and key trends

9⬛⬛ Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

18⬛⬛ Developments in the vineyard area of highly diversified vine-growing countries

48

Bibliography

51

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

5Abbreviations and symbols
Abbreviations

Symbolsha : hectarest : tonnes
ha : tonnes per hectare
NA : data not available

Trend development between 2000 and 20152
Average Annual
ChangeDescription



< -3%

Significantly decreased

Between -3% and -1%

Decreased

Between -1% and +1%

Stable

Between +1% and +3%

Increased



> +3%

Significantly increased

SymbolIntroduction
The world’s vine stock has undergone considerable changes over the last 15 years owing to the grubbingup of vineyards and restructuring activities. Indeed, some traditionally high-production varieties nolonger correspond to the tastes of consumers or the market, and have seen a significant decline in theirsurface area.
Changes in the world’s area under vines over the last 10 years are primarily due to the grubbing up andrestructuring of the European Union’s vineyards3, combined with the overall net growth of vineyards onother continents.
The world's vineyard area has experienced a slight decline over the last 10 years (-3% since 2010).
However, this downward trend is not uniform across the world. Some countries have recorded
significant declines; for example, Spain and some other European countries have reduced their vineyard
area by more than 10% in 10 years. In other countries, the opposite has occurred; for example, China has
seen an increase of 177% in its area under vines since 2000.

The trend is calculated using the average annual change in vineyard area during the 2000-2015 period; for somevarieties the time period analysed may be shorter depending on the availability of data.
3
Council regulation (EC) No. 479/2008 of 29 April 2008 on the common organisation of the market in wine: aCommunity programme regulating vine production potential, during which the European Union (EU) has introduced
premiums for the permanent abandonment of vineyard activities.
2

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Focus OIV 2017

Methodology
The data presented in this document came from several different sources, which are described below
and ranked in order of priority:
Official data provided to the OIVThis data is obtained by the OIV through different questionnaires sent to Member States.
Data available in official reports
This data is obtained via official reports published bygovernmental and intergovernmental agencies andbodies.
Data available in informal reports
Data is sometimes published by non-governmental bodies
representing the vine sector (including wine grape andtable grape activities). This is not regarded as official data
as it is not published by a government entity. Nonethelessthese reports can sometimes provide reliable data.

NB: where appropriate, the data collected issubject to correction by the OIV; for example,
where information on the area in production
only is available, the figure is adjusted to give
an approximate estimate of the total area, i.e.
the sum of the cultivated vine area and thearea not yet in production (which takes into
account areas planted with young vines).

Data from other sources and estimates
This data comes from various sources; the OIV aims to summarise this information, which is thengenerally reviewed by experts.

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

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Distribution of the world's grapevines

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Diversity of varieties
The Vitis genus (80 species identified4) is composedof two sub-genera: Muscadinia and Euvitis.
The Muscadinia sub-genus comprises three
species5, including M. rotundifolia. Grown inthe south-east of North America, this species isremarkably resistant to the main cryptogamic
diseases to which most Vitis vinifera varieties areprone6.
Most cultivated grapevines belong to the Euvitis
sub-genus. These fall under three groups7:• The American group is made up of more than
20 species8, including V. berlandieri, V. riparia and V.
rupestris, which were used as rootstock to address
the phylloxera crisis.
• The East Asia group consists of around 55
species9, which are currently considered to be oflimited importance to viticulture.
• The Eurasian group is made of one single
species, Vitis vinifera L., which accounts formost of the world's Vitis10 varieties. There are
two sub-species of Vitis vinifera: sylvestris, whichcorresponds to the wild form of the vine, andvinifera, referring to the cultivated form.

The preservation and transport of vine seeds bypeople, which was likely a common practice inthe past, has contributed to the creation of newvarieties. The interspecific (i.e. between species)
hybridisation of Vitis which took place from theend of 19th century until the mid-20th century
to address the phylloxera crisis, resulted in thecreation of direct producer hybrids (DPH) androotstock, ultimately contributing to an increasein the diversity of plant material. Finally, diversity
has also increased as a result of natural genetic
mutations, which are common in grapevinesand further assisted by ongoing vegetative
propagation.
With its several thousand varieties, the Vitis
genus is today characterised by high levelsof genetic diversity. au travers de plusieurs
milliers de varietys. The Vitis international variety
catalogue identifies 21 045 names of varieties –including 12 250 for V. vinifera, but this includes
a considerable number of synonyms andhomonyms11. The actual number of vine varieties
for the V. vinifera species in the world is estimatedat 6 00012.

Over the years the cultivation of grapevines has
led to a significant increase in genetic diversity via
sexual reproduction.

www.vivc.de
Wen et coll., 2007.
6
Olmo, 1986.
7
Galet, 1988.
8
Comeaux, 2012.
9
Ren & Jun, 2007.
10
V. vinifera encompasses half the varieties identified (www.vivc.de, accessed 7/9/2015).
11
Maul & Topfer, 2015.
12
Lacombe, 2012.
458Focus OIV 2017

Distribution of varieties and key trends

Distribution of varieties and key
trendsVariety13*

ColourDestination

Area (ha)Trend14

Kyoho

Black

Table

365 000*

Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

Wine

341 000

Sultanina

White

Table, drying
and wine

273 000

*

Merlot

Black

Wine

266 000

Tempranillo

Black

Wine

231 000



Airen

White

Wine, Brandy

218 000Chardonnay

White

Wine

210 000



Syrah

Black

Wine

190 000



Red Globe

Black

Table

159 000

*Garnacha Tinta /Grenache Noir

Black

Wine

163 000

Sauvignon Blanc

White

Wine

123 000



Pinot Noir /Blauer Burgunder

Black

Wine

112 000

Trebbiano Toscano /Ugni Blanc

White

Wine, Brandy

111 000



OIV estimates© OIV

Varieties with a total surface area above 100 000 ha.
The trend is calculated using the average annual change in vineyard area during the 2000-2015 period; for somevarieties the time period analysed may be shorter depending on the availability of data.
13
14

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

9Distribution of the world's grapevines

Kyoho

Cabernet Sauvignon

Kyoho, together with Neo Muscat and Muscat
Bailey A, is one of the main products of Japan’s
initial efforts in grapevine selection, which took
place before World War II. This grape variety is theresult of crossing tetraploid vinifera (Ishiharawase)
and labruscana (Centennial), cultivars, which havebeen grown extensively in Japan since around195015. Kyoho was first produced by a private
breeder named Y. Ohinoue in 1945 in an effort tocreate a cultivar with large berries as a result of its
tetraploid nature.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a black wine grape
variety from Bordeaux derived from a crossing
between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc20.
This late-budding variety with a long maturity
period is characterised by small berries in small
cylindrical-conical-shaped clusters. It is particularly
susceptible to grapevine trunk diseases (esca,
eutypa, excoriose) and to powdery mildew21. Thisvariety yields between 2 and 14 t/ ha depending onvine vigour22.

Kyoho grapes are large purple berries (12 to 14
grams) with edible flesh, a high sugar content(18-20 Brix) and a pronounced yet pleasant foxy
flavour. The berries have a slip skin, are not prone
to splitting, and detach easily from the cluster
when fully ripe; they have a short shelf life. In
general, the Kyoho variety demonstrates moderate
resistance to disease; with gibberellic acidapplications it can also produce seedless berries.
The Kyoho yield16 ranges from 12 to 15 t/ ha17.
Kyoho’s surface area has been increasing steadily,
reaching 365 000 ha in 2015. It is the world's
most cultivated variety but the majority of its
vines are in China (more than 90%). Kyoho has
been the most produced variety of grape in Japan
since 199418. In South Korea, it accounts for 14.5%of the country's vineyards (3 400 ha)19. Kyoho isalso very popular in China and Thailand because of
its large size and very sweet pulp.
Synonyms: Kioho.

Wines from this grape variety are popular andrecognised worldwide thanks to their typicalflavours, particularly violet and bell pepper(pyrazines are present if the grapes are harvested
early), their good structure and their high tannin
content. Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended
with other grapes because it has high tannicity
and deep colour, but it is not particularly round or
fat. The Bordeaux blend approach, which blends
Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec and/or Petit Verdot, has largely been
adopted by New World winemakers. However,Cabernet Sauvignon can be successfully blended
with other grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon
also has good ageing potential; the vegetal flavours
progressively fade, allowing more complex flavours
to develop.
Its vines are widely distributed across the world.
Covering an area of 341 000 ha, or 4% of theworld's vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon was thesecond most-planted vine variety in 2015. It ismainly grown in China, France, Chile, the UnitedStates, Australia, Spain, Argentina, Italy and South
Africa.
Synonyms : Petit Cabernet (MAR, MKD), Cabernet (ARG, AUS,
CHL, ITA, NZL), Kabernet (HRV), Burdeos Tinto (PER), Burdeos(PER), Bourdeos Tinto (ROU), Petit Vidoure (ROU), Vidure
Sauvignon (BIH), Kaberne Sovinjon (MKD, BIH, BGR, RUS),
Carbonet (BIH), C.S. Noir (BIH).

Yamada & Sato, 2016.
The yield parameter depends on several variables: climate conditions, soil
type, irrigation, fertilisation, vine training system, size, distance between rows
and between plants, orientation, etc. For this reason it is difficult to assign an
accurate average yield value for each variety.
17
Morinaga, 2001.
18
Morinaga, 2001.
19
Song, 2001.
20
Galet, 2015.
21
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
22
Galet, 2015.
15
16

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Distribution of varieties and key trends

Sultanina

MerlotSultanina is an ancient white grape variety thatoriginated in Afghanistan23. Its small oval-shaped
berries make it particularly suitable for drying
to produce raisins, but it is also used as a tablegrape, a wine grape (especially in Turkey and theUSA) or it can be distilled to make a spirit (for the
production of raki). Sultanina was the world’s first
seedless variety to be cultivated.

This black wine grape variety from Bordeaux wasincorporated into wines from that region at the
beginning of the 19th century. Merlot has benefited
from the popularity of these wines, and is now
widely grown across the world.

Sultanina is a highly vigorous variety with reduced
fertility. It is susceptible to powdery and downy
mildew, anthracnose, excoriose24, botrytis,
millerandage and berry splitting25. This variety hasloose clusters and numerous secondary branches;
its small, thick-skinned berries are crunchy witha fleshy pulp. It needs to be grown on trellises
and pruned long26. Berry size can be increased by
gibberellic acid applications. The Sultanina variety
yields between 20 and 80 t/ ha in South Africa27,
between 11 and 20 t/ ha in Chile28, and between 24
and 47 t/ ha in Australia29.
Covering an area of approximately 273 000 ha,
Sultanina is the world's most commonly usedvariety for table grapes and dried grapes. It ismainly grown in the Middle East (Turkey, Iran,Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan) and Central Asia
(Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan), where it is
known as Kishmish.

It is an early-budding and early-flowering variety
with an average maturity period and a tendency
to over-ripen in warm climates. Merlot has a
trailing growth habit, normal vigour and is prone
to a range of problems related to coulure30. It issensitive to downy and powdery mildew, botrytis,
cicadellidae and drought31. With small berries andclusters, Merlot has good fertility and is suited toclose pruning32. In Bordeaux and the Midi regionof France, Merlot yields between 6 and 11 t/ hadepending on vine vigour33.
Merlot grapes produce round, structured anddeeply coloured wines, and can be blended withmore tannic wines to give balance.
Present in 37 countries, in 2015 Merlot covered
266 000 ha, or 3 % of the total world area undervines.
Synonyms : Bigney Rouge (ROU), Merlot Rouge (MAR), Merlo
Noir (MAR), Plant Medoc (MKD, BIH, ROU), Merlo (MKD, BIH),
Merlaut Noir(BIH), Vitraille (BIH).

Synonyms : Thompson Seedless (USA, AUS, ZAF, PER, ARG, MKD,
BRA), Sultanine (FRA, GRC), Kishmish (AFG), Sultana (ARG, NZL,PER, MKD), Sultanine Blanche (FRA, MAR, BIH, GRC), Kišmiš(BIH), Kesmish Blanc (BIH), Čikarda (BIH), Cekirdeski Uzum (BIH),
Kis-mis Alb (ROU), Bealo Bez Seme (BGR).

Galet, 2015
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
25
Wagner et Truel, 1998.
26
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
27
Mybourgh, 2003 ; Swanepoel et al., 1990.
28
Ibacache et al., 2016.
29
Clingeleffer & May, 1981.
30
Galet, 1990.
31
Galet, 2015.
32
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
33
Galet, 2015.
23
24

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

11Distribution of the world's grapevines

Tempranillo
This black wine grape variety from Spain is thefifth most cultivated variety in the world, covering
an area of 231 000 ha in 2015. Tempranillo is
not widely grown outside of Spain; it may bepresent in 17 countries but 88% of its cultivatedarea is in Spain.
Features of Tempranillo vines include earlybudburst, early ripening and a short growth
cycle. An upright variety with high fertility, it issusceptible to excoriose and powdery mildew, as
well as sensitive to extreme drought and wind.
Tempranillo has very high vigour and is particularly
suited to southern growing conditions and shortpruning34. It yields between 2 and 10 t/ ha35.
In warm climates, the Tempranillo grape produces
deeply coloured wines, with a high alcohol content
and low acidity36. These characteristics become lessapparent as the yield increases.
Synonyms : Aragonez (AUS, PRT, BRA, NZL), Cencibel (ESP, ARG),
Tinta de Toro (ESP), Tinta del Pais (ESP), Tinto Fino (ESP), Ull
de Llebre (ESP), Tinta Roriz (ZAF, AUS, BRA, PRT), Roriz (AUS),
Tempranilla (ARG), Valdepenas (USA).

Airen
This is a white wine grape variety from Spain(218 000 ha in 2015). Accounting for 22% of
Spanish vineyards, Airen is almost exclusively
planted in its home country, where it is the top
vine variety in terms of surface area.
With a long growth cycle, Airen is a horizontalgrowing variety characterised by both high vigour
and fertility. This variety has very large clusters that
produce high yields; it is generally suited to closepruning.

Airen is very resistant to a number of grapevine
diseases. It produces subtly fragranced, low-acid
white wines. It is frequently used in blended
wines37. It yields between 5 and 20 t/ ha, dependingon vine vigour and irrigation.
Airen is usually grown in low densities (1 200
to 1 600 pieds/ ha) in arid and hot conditions.
It is mainly planted in the Castilla-La Mancha
community in Spain. It is primarily used to produce
white wine, but is sometimes vinified to make redwine. Airen is also distilled to make a spirit.
Synonyms : Lairén (ESP), Manchega (ESP).

Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety
from Burgundy. In 2015 its vineyard area was
210 000 ha across 41 countries. This variety isgrown in France, Italy and Spain, but the UnitedStates, Australia and Chile are also among its main
producers.
According to genetic research, Chardonnay is theresult of crossing Gouais Blanc with Pinot38. Grown
extensively in vineyards across Europe, America
and Oceania, it is the most international of whitewine grape varieties.
Chardonnay is a high-vigour plant, and produces
low-to-medium yields with close pruning. Budburst
occurs late (making the plant sensitive to spring
frosts) and maturity (ripening) occurs early. In
addition, Chardonnay is susceptible to powdery
mildew, phytoplasmas and botrytis39. While its
clusters and berries are small, they have thequality potential to produce superior aromatic andstyled wines (for example, dry and sparkling, inaddition to spirits) with interesting aromas (suchas dried fruit, walnuts or butter). It also has goodageing potential40. Chardonnay yields between 3
and 10 t/ ha41.

Boursiquot et al., 2007.
Hidalgo, 2002.
36
Sotés, 1989.
37
Clingeleffer & May, 1981.
38
Bowers et al.,1999.
39
Galet, 1990.
40
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
41
Galet, 2015.
34
35

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Distribution of varieties and key trends

It is often vinified to produce a dry white wine,
and left unblended so that the label can show
the varietal name Chardonnay, which is now
recognised by all categories of wine consumers.
In addition, using the méthode traditionnelle, it isfrequently made into sparkling wines, either as a
blend or standalone (in the latter case it is called
Blanc de Blancs). It may also be vinified to produce
dessert wines.
Synonyms : Šardone (MKD, BIH), Pinot Chardonnay (ARG, MKD,
BIH, AUS, CAN, CHL, RUS), Chardonnay Blanc (MKD, HUN),
Morillon, Feinburgunder, Chardonay, Weiss Klewner (BIH), Pinot
Giallo (BIH), Pinot Blanc (MAR), Pinot Blanc a Cramant (BIH),
Màconnais (BIH), Chaudenet (BIH), Chardenet (BIH), Aubain(BIH), Arnaison Blanc (BIH), Ronci Bilé (HUN), Morillon Blanc(HUN), Kereklevelü (HUN), Pino Blanc (MAR), Gamay Blanc(MAR), Pinot Blanc Chardonnay (ROU), Gentil Blanc (ROU).

Syrah
Syrah is a black grape variety from the Rhône
valley in France. Genetic research suggests that
it is the result of crossing the Mondeuse Blanche(from Savoie) and Dureza (from the Ardèche)grape varieties)42. Having been widely exported
to New World vine-growing countries (Australia,
Argentina, South Africa, the United States, Chile),
it has earned the reputation of being one of themost international grape varieties. In 2015 its
vineyard area was 190 000 ha and it was grown in
31 countries.

This variety produces deeply coloured wines thatare high in tannins. The aromas of the wine are
popular with consumers, provided that the grape
yield has not been too high.
Synonyms : Shiraz (DEU, ARG, BRA, BGR, CAN, CHL, USA, FRA,
HUN, ITA, NZL, PRT, ROU), Hermitage (NZL), Petit Syrah (ARG,
ROU), Petit Shiraz (ARG), Balsamina (ARG), Širaz (MKD), Sirah(ARG, MKD, BIH, CHL, HRV), Sirac (BIH, HUN), Schiras (BIH),
Serine (FRA), Serine Noir (HUN), Marsanne Noir (HUN), Blauer
Syrah (HUN), Syrac (MAR), Marzane Noire (MAR), Candine(MAR).

Red Globe
With a surface area of 165 000 ha, Red Globe is
the world’s second most cultivated table grape
variety. A total of 91% of this variety's vineyard
area is in China, but it is also grown in the UnitedStates, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Chile,
Argentina and South Africa.
This is an early-budding variety with a long (late)maturity period. Red Globe is a highly vigorous
plant, with large clusters and berries; it yields
between 8 and 30 t/ ha. As a slip skin variety, Red
Globe grapes are ideal for adding to salads46.
Synonyms : Rosito (PER).

Features of the Syrah growth cycle include: latebudburst, a short ripening-maturity period anda late harvest. It is highly vigorous but has low
fertility; its berries are small-to-medium in size
but its clusters are large. Given its high yields, thisvariety is better suited to long pruning43, but closepruning is sufficient to achieve a good yield andquality wines in southern regions44. It is extremely
susceptible to chlorosis, but less so to acariosis
and botrytis. Syrah yields between 3 and 8 t/ ha45.

Meredith & Boursiquot, 2008.
Galet, 1990.
44
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
45
Galet, 2015.
46
Wagner & Truel, 1998.
42
43

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

13

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Garnacha Tinta (Grenache Noir)
Garnacha Tinta or Grenache Noir
(163 000 ha in 2015) is an ancient black grape
variety from Spain, thought to have been
introduced to France during the Middle Ages47. It
is predominantly grown in France and Spain(these two countries account for 87% of its world
vineyard area).
Garnacha Tinta is highly vigorous. It is an uprightvariety, with high fertility and large clusters
producing a high-to-medium yield. It is extremely
drought resistant and adapts easily to different soil
types. It is susceptible to downy mildew, excoriose,botrytis, coulure48, and magnesium deficiencies,
and is also sensitive to autumn frosts; its cold
hardening capacity is impaired49, which represents
a real challenge for winegrowers. Its yield is
between 2 and 8 t/ ha50.
This variety produces deeply coloured, nervous
wines with a high alcohol content. It is often
blended with other varieties to achieve a betterbalance51.

mildew and botrytis52. It is also susceptible tograpevine trunk diseases53. Sauvignon Blanc yields
between 5 and 10 t/ ha54.
This variety owes its success largely to the varietal
aromas of thiol compounds (blackcurrant, exotic
fruit, boxwood); the expression of these aromasvaries depending on the terroir, vintage andgrowing conditions of the grapes. Thanks to its
unique flavours, it is often vinified to produce dry
white wines that are consumed young. Sauvignon
Blanc can also be used to produce high-quality
dessert wines.
Synonyms : Sauvignon (AUS, NZL), Blanc Fumé (ZAF, CHL),
Muscat Sylvaner (DEU), Fumé Blanc (DEU, AUS, CAN, USA,
NZL), Weisser Sauvignon (MKD, HUN), Sovinjon Bel (MKD,HUN),
Sauvignon Bianco (MKD, HUN), Sovinjon Bijeli (BIH), Sovinjon(BIH), Muškatni Silvanac (BIH, HRV), Sauvignon Bijeli (HRV,
HUN), Sauvignon Blanco (CHL), Fume (CHL), Muscat Sylvaner(HUN), Gros Sauvignon (RUS), Sauvignon Vert (RUS), Pinot
Mestny Bely (RUS), Sauvignon Verde (ROU), Zeleni Sauvignon(SVN), Sauvignonasse (SVN).

Pinot Noir (Blauer Burgunder)

Synonyms : Garnacha (AUS, BRA, NZL), Cannonau (ITA), Tocai
Rosso (ITA), Rooi Grenache (ZAF), Red Grenache (ZAF, CHL),
Granaxia (AUS), Tintore di Spagna (BIH), Grenaš crn (MKD, BIH,
HRV), Grenache crni (HRV), Granacha (BIH), Alicantina (MAR),
Garnacha negra (BIH), d'Alicante (BIH), Cannono (BIH), Lladoner
Tinto (ESP), Gironet (ESP).

The origins of this ancient black wine grape variety
can be traced back to 14th-century Burgundy.
Genetic research suggests that crossings between
Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc have produced 21
grape varieties grown in France.

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Noir is an early-budding variety, therefore
sensitive to early spring frosts, although it is very
resistant to winter frosts. It ripens quickly in warm
climates55.

Sauvignon is a French white grape variety that has
been cultivated in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux
region for centuries. Very much an internationalvariety (123 000 ha in 2015), it is grown in all
major wine-producing countries of the world. It
is New Zealand's most cultivated vine variety, withalmost 20 500 ha of vineyards.
Sauvignon Blanc is characterised by an averagebudburst period, early flowering and a long (late)maturity period. It is a highly vigorous variety withlow fertility, and small clusters that are prone tocoulure. It is extremely susceptible to powdery
mildew and black rot, and to a lesser extent downy

Cool temperatures and sufficient levels of
humidity during the flowering period can cause
millerandage and coulure, making this variety
unsuitable for growth on clay and humid soils56.
It is susceptible to downy mildew, botrytis andcicadellidae. Pinot Noir has low fertility, small
clusters and very small berries that produce low
yields (3-9 t/ ha in Burgundy57). However, its grapes
are high in sugar, moderately acidic and their skinis rich in polyphenols. Its produces lightly coloured
wines that are popular with consumers, and has agood potential for ageing in barrels.

Lavignac, 2001.
Galet, 2015.
49
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
50
Ibid.
51
Galet, 2015.
52
Galet, 1990.
53
Lavignac, 2001.
54
Galet, 2015.
55
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
56
Galet, 1990.
57
Ibid.
47
48

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Distribution of varieties and key trends

In temperate zones Pinot Noir produces lightto moderately coloured and moderately acidic
red wines that are recognised for their aromatic
complexity and finesse. The quality of wines islower in more southern regions, as the alcohol
level increases and the aromas become lessdistinctive. Pinot Noir can also be blended with
Chardonnay to make sparkling wines (particularlyin the Champagne region).
Thanks to its reputation and its ability to adapt
to cooler climates, this variety is widely grown inEurope (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Romania,
Hungary, Spain) but also in the vineyards of
the New World (United States, New Zealand,
Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa); it ranks
as the world's fourth most cultivated variety(112 000 ha in 2015).
Synonyms : Pinot Nero (AUS, NZL, ROU, HUN), Pinot (ITA, NZL),
Burgundec Crn (MKD), Blauer Spätburgunder (MKD, ITA, LUX,
ROU), Spätburgunder (ITA, CAN, ROU, CHE), Blauburgunder(MKD, CAN, ITA, CHE), Blauer Burgunder (HUN, ROU, CHE),
Burgunder (TUR), Wroege Loonse (BEL), Pinot Noir Precoce(BEL), Pino Crni (BIH, HRV), Burgundac (BIH), Burgundac Crni
(HRV), Pinot negro (ARG, CHL), Pinot Go (RUS), Chpatchok(RUS), Savagnin Noir (HUN), Rulandski Modre (HUN), Pinot
Tinto (HUN), Pinot Cernii (HUN), Pino Csernüj (HUN), Pignola(HUN), Kék Rulandi (HUN), Kék Kisburgundi (HUN), Kék
Burgundi (HUN), Klävner Morillon Noir (ROU), Burgunder Roter(ROU), Burgund Mic (ROU), Modri pinot (SVN), Klevner (CHE),
Früburgunder (CHE), Cortaillod (CHE), Clevner (CHE).

Trebbiano Toscano (Ugni Blanc)
This white wine grape variety from Italy(111 000 ha in 2015) is predominantly grownin Italy, France and Portugal. In Italy, Trebbiano
Toscano (Ugni Blanc in France) is vinified to
produce dry white wines, then blended to balanceout its neutral flavour. In France, it is grown to
produce low-alcohol wines (7 to 9%) to then be
distilled into spirits (Cognac and Armagnac). In
Bulgaria, however, it is cultivated to produce tablegrapes.
It is a late-budding and late-flowering variety (withgood tolerance of spring frosts), and has a long(late) maturity period. It produces wines with highacidity and low alcoholic strength by volume58. It isa highly-vigorous upright variety with good fertility
and large, long cylindrical clusters that produce
high yields (between 5 and 20 t/ ha59). It is not,however, suited to close pruning, which reduces
its vigour, yield and sugar content. In addition, it
is susceptible to downy mildew, eutypiose andnematodes, but is relatively resistant to botrytis
and excoriose60.
The Trebbiano Toscano variety has large clusters
with small berries that produce neutral yet varied
and well-balanced wines (dry wines, liqueurs,
sparkling wines, etc.). It was also used to breed the
hybrid Vidal grape, one of the world’s main sources
for producing ice wine61.
Synonyms : Trebbiano (ZAF, ARG, CHL, USA, GRC, NZL), Saint
Emilion (USA, ARG, BIH), Juni Blan (MKD, BIH), Uva Bianca(BIH), Trebbianone (BIH), Trebbianolli (BIH), Trebbiano Forte(BIH), Trebbiano Fiorentino (BIH), Blanc de Cadillac (BIH), Ugni
Byal (BGR), Sent Emilion (BGR), Procanico (ITA), Rossela Blanco(MAR), Clairette Ronde (MAR).

Galet, 1990.
Ibid.
60
Boursiquot et al., 2007.
61
D’Agata, 2014.
58
59

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

15

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Figure 2. Classification of varieties

16

© OIV

Focus OIV 2017

varieties and key trends
Countries growing the 10 mainDistribution
grapeofvarieties

Kyoho

Cabernet-Sauvignon

Sultanina

MerlotTempranillo

Airen

Chardonnay

Syrah

Grenache noir (Garnacha tinta)

Red Globe© OIV
Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

17

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Top 15 countries62 by vineyard areaand distribution of their varieties

Spain
ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend63

Airen

White

217 000

22.3%

Tempranillo

Black

203 000

20.8%



Bobal

Black

62 0006.4%

Garnacha Tinta /Grenache NoirBlack

62 000

6.4%



Viura

White

46 0004.7%



Mourvèdre /MonastrellBlack

43 0004.4%

Alicante H. Bouschet

Black

26 0002.7%

PardinaWhite

25 0002.6%

Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

20 000

2.1%



Syrah

Black

20 0002.1%



250 000

25.7%

Variety

Other varieties
Total

974 000

© OIV

Top 15 countries with a vineyard area above 65,000 ha for which data is available.
The trend is calculated using the average annual change in vineyard area during the 2000-2015 period; for somevarieties the time period analysed may be shorter depending on the availability of data.
62
63

.

18

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Of the 10 main varieties grown in Spain, the two most common(Airen and Tempranillo) account for almost half of the national
vineyard area (43.2%). Since the early 2000s, there has beensignificant growth inTempranillo vineyards (+41.5%),
although the national vineyard
area has decreased byapproximately 15%.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

19

Distribution of the world's grapevines

China
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Kyoho

Black

365 000

44.0%

NA

Red Globe

Black

146 000

17.6%

NACabernet Sauvignon

Black

60 0007.2%

Carmenere

Black

8 000

1.0%



Merlot

Black

7 000

0.8%



Cabernet Franc

Black

3 000

0.4%



Chardonnay

White

3 000

0.3%



Riesling

White

2 000

0.3%



Syrah

Black

1 000

0.2%



Pinot Noir /Blauer Burgunder

Black

1 000

0.1%



233 000

28.1%

Other varieties
Total

830 000



© OIV

20

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Almost two-thirds of China’s vineyard area is used for growing tablegrape varieties, such as Kyoho (44%) and Red Globe (18%). That said,
in recent years there has been a relatively rapid rise in planted areas
devoted to wine grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon(60 000 ha).

© OIVDistribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

21

Distribution of the world's grapevines

FranceColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

MerlotBlack

112 000

13.9%

Trebbiano Toscano /Ugni Blanc

White

82 00010.2%

Garnacha Tinta /Grenache NoirBlack

81 000

10.0%



Syrah

Black

64 0007.9%

ChardonnayWhite

51 0006.3%

Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

48 0006.0%

Cabernet Franc

Black

33 0004.1%

Carignan Noir /MazuelaBlack

33 0004.1%

Pinot Noir /Blauer BurgunderBlack

32 0004.0%

Sauvignon Blanc

White

30 0003.7%

Other varieties

240 000

29.8%

Total

806 000

Variety



© OIV

22

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Three varieties account for one-third of France's vineyard area:
Merlot (the only variety to exceed 100 000 ha), Ugni Blanc andGrenache Noir. The varieties that have experienced the most growthover recent years are Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay andSyrah.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

23

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Italy
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Sangiovese / Nielluccio

Black

54 0007.9%MontepulcianoBlack

27 000

4.0%



Glera

White

27 0004.0%

Pinot GrisWhite

25 0003.7%



MerlotBlack

24 0003.5%ItaliaWhite

22 0003.2%

NACatarratto Bianco
ComuneWhite

21 0003.1%

Trebbiano Toscano /Ugni Blanc

White

21 0003.1%

ChardonnayWhite

20 0002.9%

BarberaBlack

18 0002.6%

Other varieties

379 000

62.0%

Total

682 000



© OIV

24

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Italy's 10 most planted varieties occupy only 38% of the country's
national vineyard area. The top variety – the only one to exceed
50 000 ha – is Sangiovese. As with other traditional grape-growing
countries in Europe, the total vineyard area has declined by roughly
20% over the last 15 years. In this context, the only varieties tohave increased their area are
Glera (+24%) and Pinot Gris (+34%).

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

25

Distribution of the world's grapevines

United States
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Sultanina

White

60 00013.5%

NAChardonnayWhite

43 0009.7%

Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

41 0009.3%

ConcordBlack

34 0007.7%NAPinot Noir /Blauer BurgunderBlack

25 0005.6%

MerlotBlack

21 0004.7%

Zinfandel / PrimitivoBlack

19 000

4.3%

NA

Syrah

Black

9 000

2.0%



Pinot Gris

White

8 000

1.8%



Colombard

White

8 000

1.8%

NA

174 320

39.5%

Other varieties
Total

443 000



© OIV

26

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

In the United States, Sultanina is the most cultivated variety,occupying 60 000 ha, or 14%, of the country’s vineyard area.
However, varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris
have experienced significant growth. Conversely, Chardonnay, thecountry’s second most cultivated grape, has seen its area decline
over the last 10 years.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

27

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Argentina
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Cot / Malbec

Black

40 00017.8%

CerezaRosé

29 00012.9%

NABonardaBlack

19 0008.4%

Criolla GrandeBlack

16 0007.1%

NACabernet
SauvignonBlack

15 000

6.7%



Syrah

Black

13 0005.8%

Pedro XimenezWhite

11 0004.9%

Torrontes Riojano

White

8 000

3.6%



Moscatel Rosado

Rosé

7 000

3.1%



Chardonnay

White

6 000

2.7%



61 00027.1%

Other varieties
Total

225 000



© OIV

28

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Argentina has restructured its vineyards in recent years,
progressively moving away from growing rosé grape varieties infavour of black grape varieties. This trend explains the significant
growth in the cultivation of Syrah but especially of Malbec, which has
almost doubled its area in 15 years and now represents 18% of thecountry's area under vines.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

29

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Chile
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Cabernet
SauvignonBlack

43 00020.1%

Sauvignon Blanc

White

15 0007.0%MissionRosé

13 0006.1%



MerlotBlack

12 0005.6%

Sultanina

White

12 0005.6%

NAChardonnayWhite

12 0005.6%

CarmenereBlack

11 0005.1%

Red GlobeBlack

11 0005.1%

Crimson Seedless

Black

9 000

4.2%

NA

Syrah

Black

8 000

3.8%



86 00040.4%

Autres cépages
Total

214 000



© OIV

30

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

The distribution of varieties in Chile is characterised by the presenceof one vine, Cabernet Sauvignon, which occupies approximately
20% of the country's vineyard area. The remaining 80% is split
relatively uniformly across the other varieties, with no single variety
exceeding 7% of the total area. The varieties that have experienced
the most growth over the last 15
years are Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc
and Carmenere. This increase is inline with the general trend of strong
growth in the country's area undervines, which has risen by almost
18% in 15 years.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

31Distribution of the world's grapevines

Portugal
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

18 0009.0%

Tempranillo

Black

Touriga Franca

Black

15 0007.5%

Castelão /João de SantaremBlack

13 0006.5%

Fernão PiresWhite

13 000

6.5%

Touriga NacionalBlack

12 000

6.0%

TrincadeiraBlack

11 000

5.5%



Baga

Black

7 000

3.5%



Síria

White

7 000

3.5%



Arinto

White

6 000

3.0%



Syrah

Black

6 000

3.0%



91 00045.7%

Other varieties
Total

199 000



© OIV

32

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Portugal boasts a large number of native varieties. This helps
to explain the great diversity in the composition of Portuguese
vineyards. The top 10 varieties account for only 55% of the country’s
national vineyard area. Tempranillo is the leading variety in terms of
surface area.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

33

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Romania
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Feteasca RegalaWhite

13 0006.8%

Feteasca Alba

White

12 0006.3%

MerlotBlack

12 0006.3%

Riesling

White

6 000

3.1%



Aligoté

White

6 000

3.1%



Sauvignon Blanc

White

6 000

3.1%



Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

5 000

2.6%



Muscat Ottonel

White

5 000

2.6%



Feteasca Neagra

Black

3 000

1.6%

NA

Rosioara

Rosé

3 000

1.6%



120 000

62.8%

Other varieties
Total

191 000



© OIV

34

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Romania's vine stock is highly diverse. This is because the sum of theareas occupied by Romania's top 10 varieties amounts to roughly
just one-third of the total area under vines. Furthermore, not one ofthese top varieties accounts for more than 7% of the total surface
area.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

35

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Australia
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Syrah

Black

40 00026.8%

Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

25 00016.8%

ChardonnayWhite

21 00014.1%

Merlot

Black

8 000

5.4%



Sauvignon Blanc

White

6 000

4.0%



Pinot Noir /Blauer Burgunder

Black

5 000

3.4%



Sémillon

White

5 000

3.4%



Pinot Gris

White

4 000

2.7%



Riesling

White

3 000

2.0%



Muscat of Alexandria

White

2 000

1.3%



Other varieties

30 000

20.1%

Total

149 000



© OIV

36

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Three varieties of vine – Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay– occupy almost 60% of Australia's vineyard area. Only 20% of thearea under vines is planted with varieties outside of the Australian“top 10”. The last 15 years have been marked by strong growthin what are currently minor grape varieties, indicating that the
distribution of varieties is shifting.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

37

Distribution of the world's grapevines

South Africa
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% Total Vineyard
Area

Trend

Chenin Blanc

White

19 00014.6%

Colombard

White

13 00010.0%Cabernet
SauvignonBlack

12 000

9.2%



Syrah

Black

11 0008.5%

Sauvignon Blanc

White

10 0007.7%

Sultanina

White

8 000

6.2%



Pinotage

Black

8 000

6.2%



Chardonnay

White

8 000

6.2%



Merlot

Black

6 000

4.6%



Crimson Seedless

White

5 000

3.8%

NA

30 00023.1%

Other varieties
Total

130 000



© OIV

38

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

The trend in South Africa follows that of most of the New World's
major wine-producing countries, with a distribution characterised bya small number of varieties accounting for a large proportion of thesurface area. Note that almost three-quarters of the vineyard area is
occupied by the top 10 varieties. In first place, Chenin Blanc covers
15% of the total area.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

39

Distribution of the world's grapevines

GreeceVariety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

SavvatianoWhite

11 00010.3%

Roditis

Rosé

9 000

8.4%



Sultanina

White

9 000

8.4%

NA

Muscat deHambourg

White

3 000

2.8%

NA

Agiorgitiko

Black

3 000

2.8%



Liatiko

Black

2 000

1.9%



Xinomavro

Black

2 000

1.9%



Victoria

White

2 000

1.9%

NA

Cabernet
Sauvignon

Black

2 000

1.9%



Assyrtiko

White

2 000

1.9%



62 00057.9%

Other varieties
Total

107 000



© OIV

40

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Three varieties of vine – Savviatano, Roditis and Sultanina –represent almost 30% of Greece's vineyard area. The rest of the area
is shared between a large number of varieties (native, for the mostpart), none of which exceeds 3 000 ha, or 3%, of the total. In general,vineyard area growth rates for the major varieties are either negative
or close to zero.
The trend is reversed for some of
the less cultivated varieties, suchas Liatiko or Assyrtiko, which areexperiencing positive growth.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

41

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Germany
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Riesling

White

24 00023.3%

Müller Thurgau /RivanerWhite

13 00012.6%

Pinot Noir /Blauer BurgunderBlack

12 00011.7%

Dornfelder

Black

8 000

7.8%



Pinot Gris

White

6 000

5.8%



Sylvaner

White

5 000

4.9%



Pinot Blanc / Weisser
Burgunder

White

5 000

4.9%



Blauer Portugieser

Black

3 000

2.9%

NA

Kerner

White

3 000

2.9%



Blauer Trollinger

Black

2 000

1.9%

NA

Other varieties

22 000

21.4%

Total

103 000



© OIV

42

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Unlike other traditional grape-growing countries in Europe,
Germany’s area under vines did not decrease between 2000
and 2015. Nor have there been any significant changes in thecomposition of its vineyards. In this context, Riesling is the mostplanted variety, covering 24 000 ha. The top three varieties(Riesling, Müller Thurgau and Pinot Noir) occupy almost half(47%) of Germany’s vineyard area.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

43

Distribution of the world's grapevines

BrazilVariety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

IsabellaBlack

13 00014.9%

Niagara Rosada

Rosé

11 000

12.6%

NA

Bordo

Black

10 00011.5%

Italia

White

9 000

10.3%

NA

Niagara Branca

White

3 000

3.4%



Concord

Black

2 000

2.3%



Alphonse Lavallée

Black

2 000

2.3%

NA

Couderc Noir

Black

2 000

2.3%



Jacquez

Black

1 000

1.1%



Cabernet
Sauvignon

Black

1 000

1.1%



33 00037.9%

Other varieties
Total

87 000



© OIV

44

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Brazil's vineyard area, currently at 87 000 ha, has been growing
since 2000. The distribution of varieties is highly diverse: with the
exception of the first four varieties, which occupy about 45% ofBrazil's vineyard area, the remaining 55% is shared between theother varieties, none of which exceeds 4% of the total area.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

45

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Hungary
Variety

ColourArea (ha)% TotalVineyard Area

Trend

Blaufränkisch

Black

7 000

10.3%



Bianca

White

5 000

7.4%



Cserszegi Fuszeres

White

4 000

5.9%



Grasevina /Welschriesling

White

4 000

5.9%



Furmint

White

4 000

5.9%



Cabernet Sauvignon

Black

3 000

4.4%



Chardonnay

White

3 000

4.4%



Merlot

Black

2 000

2.9%



Zweigelt

Black

2 000

2.9%



Müller Thurgau /Rivaner

White

2 000

2.9%



32 00047.1%

Autres varietys
Total

68 000



© OIV

46

Focus OIV 2017

Top 15 countries by vineyard area and distribution of their varieties

Hungarian vineyards are planted with a long list of varieties. The
country's top 10 varieties occupy about half of the total area undervines. The only variety to exceed 10% is Blaufränkisch. As with mostother European countries, Hungary's vineyard area has decreased byapproximately 30% since 2000. However, in this context, it is worth
mentioning the remarkable growthof varieties such as Bianca andCserszegi Fuszeres.

© OIV

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

47

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Developments in the vineyard areaof highly diversified vine-growing
countries© OIV
Figure 3. Variety diversity index64* The available figures for Romania account for only 46% of the national vineyard area, and not 60% as is
the case with the other countries.

Index showing the number of varieties that make up 60% of a country's
vineyard area. Includes only the 15 countries with a vineyard area above
65 000 ha for which data is available.
64

.

48

Focus OIV 2017

Developments in the vineyard area of highly diversified vine-growing countries

This study found that Romania, Italy, Greece,
Hungary and Portugal grew the most local
varieties, most of which were specific to thatparticular country. The distribution pattern in eachof these countries is totally unique, and none of
their main grapevine varieties accounts for morethan 10% of the national vineyard area.
Romania
Ranked as the 11th biggest vine-growing country bysurface area, Romania has a significant proportionof native varieties, primarily wine grapes. It isestimated that the proportion of native varieties
exceeds 50% of the planted area.
Following a steep decline in its total surface area
planted with vines in the early 2000s, Romania’s
vineyard area has stabilised at around 192 000 hasince 2007. Most varieties have followed this same
trend, with the exception of some “international”
varieties, like Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, whichhave experienced strong growth in the last 15
years.
GreeceNative varieties, on the other hand, have seen
their areas progressively decrease. In particular,
this is the case for Savvatiano, Greece's top wine
grape variety: its area under vines in 2015 was
10 500 ha, 10% less than in 2011. The trend is thesame for other important Greek varieties, suchas Roditis (-2%), Agiorgitiko (-7%) and Xinomavro(-6%). Assyrtiko and Liatiko however, which haveincreased marginally, are among the noteworthy
exceptions. Overall, local varieties are still in the
majority, representing more than 75% of Greece's
planted areas.
Italy
Italy’s vineyards are primarily planted with native
varieties. This is despite the expansion over recent
decades of "international" varieties, for example
reds like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, or whites
like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
In recent years (2010-2015), most varieties haveseen a sharp decrease in their area under vines,
a trend that is in line with the general decline in
Italy's vineyard area (-7.7 % between 2010 and2015). This is particularly the case for Sangiovese(-27%), Montepulciano (-12%) and Merlot (-16%).

With its long vine-growing tradition, a large
proportion of Greece’s vineyards are planted withnative varieties.
Current trends (observed between 2011 and2015) however indicate that the areas plantedwith “international” varieties are on the increase.
This is particularly the case for Merlot (+34%) andSyrah (+73%), which cover 1 520 ha and 1 100 ha
respectively. For white varieties, the same trend isobserved for Sauvignon Blanc, which has tripled
its surface area in 4 years, and Chardonnay, which
has increased by 22%. Cabernet Sauvignon is the
only international variety to have decreased, albeit
moderately, having lost 8% of its area.

Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

49

Distribution of the world's grapevines

Conversely, the Glera variety (formerly called
Prosecco) has experienced significant growth(+25% in 5 years, and tripled since 2000), now
covering more than 26 500 ha. This increase islargely due to the rise of Prosecco wine, which,along with other European sparkling wines, hasexperienced a significant boost in sales in recent
years. Another variety on the rise is Pinot Gris,
which has expanded its area by 34% in 5 years. The
increased popularity of white wines among Italianconsumers has contributed to this increase in theplantation of white varieties.
The other varieties, whether native or non-native,
are generally experiencing varying levels of decline.
Hungary
Its total vineyard area might not exceed 65 000 ha(ranking 22nd in the world), but Hungary grows amultitude of varieties. With 13 varieties occupying
60% of the total area and 31 that exceed 1%,
Hungary sits in 4th position on our variety diversity
index graph.

Despite the expansion of “international” varieties
like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot,
Hungary has a wealth of native varieties, such as
the red Blaufränkisch (the country’s top variety
in terms of surface area) or the whites Cserszegi
Fuszeres and Furmint (used in the production of
Tokaj).
Looking at trends over recent years (2009-2015),
the area for varieties such as Müller Thurgau,
Zweigelt, Grasevina and Blaufränkisch has declined
more than for other varieties. Bianca, Cserszegi
Fuszeres and Merlot, on the other hand, haveenjoyed the highest growth rates.
PortugalPortugal's viticultural landscape is composed ofa multitude of terroirs and hundreds of native
varieties. Its ampelographic heritage includes
both black grape varieties, such as Touriga Franca,
Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Trincadeira and Baga;and white grape varieties, like Fernão Pires, Siria
and Arinto.
With regard to developments in Portugal's vineyard
area and planted varieties, between 2010 and 2015
there was a sharp drop in total surface area (-15%),
accompanied by growth in the top 10 varieties,
including the 8 native varieties mentioned above
and two “international", namely Tempranillo andSyrah. The growth rate over the 6 years ranges
from 8% for Tempranillo to 72% for Baga.

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Focus OIV 2017

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Distribution of the world’s grapevine varieties

53

Focus OIV 2017
Distribution of the world’s
grapevine varieties
ISBN: 979-10-91799-89-8
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