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Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC)

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Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) is a global database of grape varieties maintained by the Julius Kühn-Institut in Germany. It provides comprehensive information on the taxonomy, synonyms, descriptors, and genetic profiles of thousands of cultivated and wild Vitis species, serving as a primary reference for researchers, growers, and wine professionals worldwide.[1]

Origins and Development

The catalogue was established in the late twentieth century to unify disparate ampelographic records and to create a centralised repository of grapevine diversity.[2] Early efforts were based on classical ampelography, notably the work of Pierre Galet, before integrating molecular and genetic methods.[3] The Julius Kühn-Institut assumed responsibility for hosting and updating the system, working closely with international organisations and national collections.

Structure and Content

Each entry in the VIVC contains detailed descriptors of a grape variety, including morphological characteristics, synonym lists, pedigree information, and genetic markers.[4] Standardised descriptors follow the conventions of the OIV, particularly the OIV Descriptor List for Grape Varieties and Vitis Species, ensuring consistency across national and regional catalogues.[5]

Scientific and Ampelographic Significance

The catalogue is a central tool for the science of grape identification. It plays a critical role in confirming synonymy—when the same variety is known under different local names—as well as in clarifying homonymy, when unrelated grapes share a name.[6] Molecular tools, such as DNA profiling, are integrated into VIVC entries, complementing morphological descriptors. This dual approach allows researchers to trace the parentage of varieties, supporting studies in viticultural heritage and biodiversity.[7]

Application in Viticulture and Wine Studies

For viticulture, the VIVC is an essential resource in varietal selection, clonal research, and conservation programmes. By providing accurate synonym cross-checks, it prevents confusion in vineyard planting and commercial labelling.[8] It also supports the protection of regional identities by distinguishing between local cultivars and internationally spread grapes. The database underpins studies in wine history, enabling scholars to track the spread of varieties across Europe and the New World.

Global Reach

Although based in Germany, the VIVC functions as a collaborative international platform. It incorporates data from national and regional catalogues, including Eastern European and Caucasian sources.[9] In Georgia, for example, indigenous varieties catalogued under regional systems have been integrated into the database, linking local ampelographic traditions with global standards. This international scope makes the VIVC a cornerstone of efforts to conserve grape genetic resources at a worldwide level.

See also

References

  1. ↑ VIVC – Julius Kühn-Institut, "Vitis International Variety Catalogue", https://www.vivc.de
  2. ↑ Galet, Précis d’ampélographie pratique, 2nd ed., 2000, p. 15.
  3. ↑ Boursiquot & This, "Grape variety identification and parentage", INRAE resources, https://www.inrae.fr
  4. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, 2012, p. 45.
  5. ↑ OIV, "OIV Descriptor List for Grape Varieties and Vitis Species", https://www.oiv.int
  6. ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015, entry: ampelography.
  7. ↑ This, Molecular Gastronomy and the Grapevine: The Science of Flavour in Wine, 2020, pp. 97–99.
  8. ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, 2012, p. 47.
  9. ↑ Ekhvaia & Maghradze (eds.), Genetic Resources of Georgian Vines, 2012, pp. 21–23.
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