# Global adoption of disease-resistant PIWI grape varieties

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-adoption-of-disease-resistant-piwi-grape-varieties
> Updated: 2026-10-22T19:40:17.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Efforts to integrate disease-resistant PIWI grape varieties—hybrids of Vitis vinifera and American or Asian species—are progressing through legislative and scientific channels.

In Italy, lawmakers have launched a bipartisan initiative to amend the Consolidated Law on Wine. The proposal seeks to lift prohibitions on using these interspecific hybrids within DOC and DOCG protected designations of origin, allowing individual protection consortia to decide on their inclusion to better adapt to climate change.

In Brazil, research conducted by the Minas Gerais Agricultural Research Company (Epamig) has evaluated eight PIWI cultivars for wine production. The study, which involved partnerships with Italian nurseries and local wineries, demonstrated that these varieties can significantly reduce fungicide use, with some production cycles requiring no fungicide to control downy mildew.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Epamig evaluates disease-resistant grape varieties in Minas Gerais

Epamig research in southern Minas Gerais has identified eight disease-resistant PIWI grape varieties that could significantly reduce fungicide use in wine production.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/epamig-evaluates-disease-resistant-grape-varieties-in-minas-gerais

### 2026-10-10: Italian lawmakers propose Piwi grape use in DOC and DOCG wines

Italian lawmakers are seeking to amend wine laws to allow disease-resistant Piwi grape varieties in DOC and DOCG protected designations to help the industry adapt to climate change.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-lawmakers-propose-piwi-grape-use-in-doc-and-docg-wines

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Cite as: Global adoption of disease-resistant PIWI grape varieties. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-adoption-of-disease-resistant-piwi-grape-varieties