Four of these varieties originate from VCR's independent genetic improvement program and are in an advanced stage of registration in the National Varietal Register, with availability expected between February 2026 and the end of 2027. The other three derive from the research activity of CREA Viticoltura Enologia in Conegliano (TV) and will be available starting from the end of 2027.
An important moment to take stock not only of the more technical aspects, but also of current events, future scenarios and market trends, thanks also to the presence of the Prosecco DOC , Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG , Asolo Montello DOCG and Colli Euganei DOCG Consortia, which protect the largest denomination wine system in Italy, an area that extends "from Trieste down", embracing all of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto up to the province of Padua.
«Having a range of resistant varieties — explained Yuri Zambon , director of VCR — means being able to respond to the different needs of the territories and the different winemaking expressions, keeping the identity of Glera at the center».
The varieties presented belong to the Piwi family, resistant to the main fungal diseases of the vine such as downy mildew and powdery mildew.
"Resistant varieties ," emphasized Denis Pantini of Nomisma, " represent a concrete response to the growing demand for sustainability and lightness expressed by new generations of consumers around the world."
In fact, their use allows for a significant reduction in the use of agrochemicals , especially near residential areas, improving the relationship between viticulture, the environment and the community.
«Less inputs, better outputs — added Riccardo Velasco , director of CREA VE — Today genetic improvement, together with digitalisation and less impactful phytosanitary defence, is the most effective way to combine production needs with the protection of health and the environment».
The new varieties also offer a concrete response to the critical issues related to climate change and represent a powerful factor of innovation and enhancement for the image of the denominations.
"These are not alternative varieties to Glera ," said Diego Tomasi , director of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Consortium. " They are the Glera that adapts to the future ."
«If we want to defend unique landscapes where the vineyard is the protagonist – added Michele Noal , president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Asolo Montello – we must allow Glera to defend itself».
"Our region ," emphasized Gianluca Carraro for the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Euagnei, " is truly sustainable, not just declared. Resistant varieties are the most coherent way to keep this promise ."
The oenological and sensorial characteristics of the new varieties respond to different production needs:
All are characterised by high polygenic resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew .
"Here at the VCR Research Center ," declared Alessandro Leon , president of VCR, " we are not presenting an idea, but something that has already existed in our fields for over five years: a concrete opportunity for sustainability, quality, and innovation at the service of Italian viticulture."
"The Glera of the future already exists. Now it must also be allowed to exist in the regulations ," comments Director Zambon . "Today, Italy is the only European country that does not allow the use of resistant varieties in DOC (controlled designation of origin) wines, due to the restriction set forth in Article 33, paragraph 6 of the Consolidated Law on Vine and Wine. This is a regulatory limitation, which Parliament and the Government have initiated a review process for. The strong presence and attention shown by the institutions in Rauscedo gives us hope for a regulatory update consistent with evolving research, environmental needs, and market expectations."
In the hall were Stefano Zannier , Regional Councillor for Agri-food, Forestry, and Fisheries Resources of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region; Michele Zanardo , President of the National Committee for PDO and PGI Wines; Anna Maria Cisint and Alessandro Ciriani , Members of the European Parliament; and Michele Leon , Mayor of San Giorgio della Richinvelda. Massimiliano Fedriga , President of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, and Alberto Stefani, President of the Veneto Region, sent greetings to everyone in attendance through two messages, which were read at the opening of the meeting.
The Glera of the future is ready. Now it's up to the country system to guide it along its path.
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