COLDIRETTI: THE AMARONE GENOME HAS BEEN MAPPED; NOW AN ANTI-CLONE DNA BANK IS NEEDED FOR 355 INDIGENOUS GRAPES RICH IN UNIQUE QUALITIES

Italy holds the world record in biodiversity, with 355 indigenous grapes rich in unique traits. Genome mapping represents a great opportunity if it is used to enhance the regional identity of the vines and to protect them from cloning and genetic modification attempts. So confirms Coldiretti (the Italian Farmers Union) after the University of Verona announced that it has sequenced the DNA for the first indigenous grape in the world: Corvina, which is the typical variety of grape for Amarone.

The results of the research will make an important contribution to preserving the legacy of the territory and local identity in order to defend against the risks of GMO contamination, and also support, according to the Italian Farmers Union, Coldiretti, an intensified fight against fraud, adulteration and cloning attempts in place in many countries, starting with China. In Italy, quality wines have no room for biotech in the vineyards or the cellars or on Italian tables and we will hold a careful watch against applications of this kind of research that neither the consumers nor the wine producers want.
Today, wine is witnessing a regeneration process carried out by a system of enterprises whose goal, after enhancing the quality of wine, is now to offer the wealth of its genetic patrimony, including its climate, landscape, artistic and natural qualities in a glass of wine. Important research studies, concludes Coldiretti, must also participate in helping to reach this goal.