Molecular and ampelographic characterisation of Vitis vinifera L. "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco" shows that they are different cultivars

Abstract

The grapevine cultivar "Albariño" is one of the oldest grown in the vine-growing areas of North-Western Spain and Northern Portugal. Since recognition of Origin Denomination status for the Rías Baixas region (the coast of Western Galicia, Spain) in 1987, the economic importance of this cultivar has increased, and its grapes are now among the most expensive in Spain. The area occupied by "Albariño" vines in this region is increasing every year, and the wines made from its grapes are gaining international recognition. These events, plus the fact that "Albariño" was little known outside its traditional growing area, have led to speculation about its origin and the existence of synonyms. Misnames of "Albariño" have included "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco". The present work compares "Albariño", "Savagnin Blanc" and "Caíño Blanco" ampelographically (i.e., it compares shoot, leaf, grape cluster, berry and seed characteristics) and molecularly using microsatellite markers. The results show that they are in fact three different cultivars providing a complete description. For "Caíño Blanco", there is little previously reported information.