Several traditional grapevine varieties that were historically widespread in Istria region (Croatia) until the mid-20th century have undergone severe genetic erosion following profound changes in viticultural practices from the 1960s.
The wild grapevine, Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (Gmelin, Hegi), is spontaneous to Europe and has gained increasing scientific attention in recent years due to its rapidly declining populations and its valuable, yet largely unexplored, genetic pool.
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most extensively cultivated fruit trees in the world. It is cultivated primarily for wine production but also for fruit fresh consumption.
The preservation and strategic exploitation of grapevine genetic resources are essential to sustain viticulture under accelerating climatic and phytosanitary pressures.
Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris is the wild ancestor of the European cultivated grapevine (V. vinifera L. subsp. sativa).
Vitis vinifera L. is the main European grapevine species used for wine production. It is characterized by the production of grapes and wines with unique organoleptic properties, distinguished by high quality and the absence of strong “foxy” aromas.