Selection of new clones of the grape variety Lagrein in South Tyrol

Abstract

A selection of new clones of the grape variety Lagrein has been carried out by the Research Centre Laimburg in order to increase the value of this autochthonous variety, which is typical for South Tyrol. At present the choice of authorized clones of Lagrein is very limited and in addition the renewal of the old vineyards leads to ain increasing reduction of the genetic base available for selection purposes. The start of the selection programme took place in the mid eighties with the marking of single vines in old vineyards in the surroundings of Bolzano. The aim of the registration of new clones was then more clearly defined in 1996 with the start of the project “Selection of Lagrein clones of constant yield and good wine quality”. The project was concluded in 2007 with the application for registration in the national grape variety register of three new clones, namely Lb 3, Lb 25 and Lb 26.